The Shade
Aldriche Way
In 2018, Build Up won the Making Places competition to create a new public space in the Aldriche Way estate. Rather than submit a design, Build Up proposed to work with local young people to decide what could happen in a tarmacked area that had been empty since the estate was first built.
During Easter 2018, 50 young people aged 11-23 worked with Build Up’s architects and designers to develop a project design:; somewhere where parents could watch their children play in the adjacent playground and where community BBQs and events could take place. Then during the school summer holidays, a team of 16 young residents aged 11-18 built phase one of the project.
Owing to concerns about antisocial behaviour, the space was originally constructed without a roof. After three years of use during which these fears didn’t materialise, in 2021, it was agreed a the roof could be installed, and Build Up returned to complete and extend the project. The space now features a table tennis table, a shelter and stage, as well as planters, games and seating.
In total, over 100 young people were involved in the project.
