Survey Findings and Themes

We asked 

We requested feedback via an online survey on the plans for the proposed Centre for Urban Sustainability. Communities were invited to comment on all aspects of the project. 

The survey, was open for 20 weeks from 10 October 2024 to 28 February 2025.  

The purpose of the survey was to gather a wider set of feedback on the project to compliment our targeted local stakeholder consultations.  

You said 

We received 112 responses to the survey. 

Key Themes 

The survey invited open comments relating to the plans. The key themes which arose were:  

• A need for more learning spaces, for example to learn about, growing, composting, jobs that might become available or food and nutrition. 
• A need for more spaces for makers, for example for recycling, carnival preparation and decommission, a fixing factory. 
• A need for more spaces for people to explore themes of social justice, for example, talks and accredited courses, spaces for self-directed learning, for focus groups, speakers corners, campaign planning. 
• A need for more spaces to share, exhibit, see exhibitions. Also for performances such as spoken word, other visual and performing arts. 
• A need for more spaces to explore wellness, counselling, cognative therapy, using the surroundings of the Forest Garden perhaps. 

Further key comments about the plans included:   

• There was general support for the Centre and positive reactions​. 
• Concerns were raised about who benefits, including inclusion and gentrification​ issues.  
• The impact that the building would have on the environment and potential pollution. 
• Existing use of the Maxilla area which should continue or be protected. 

Facilities 

We asked the survey participants to rank proposed facilities in order of importance. Those that scored the highest were:  

• Open green space 
• Mental wellness rooms 
• Community kitchen facilities 
• Classroom spaces  

We also asked which other facilities could be incorporated into the building. Overall, responses emphasised that any additional facilities should prioritise: 

• Family support 
• Affordable community use 
• Skills development  

Activities 

With regards to activities which took place at the building, feedback was quite evenly split, with the top and high priorities being: 

• A community greenhouse 
• Healthy eating initiatives 
• Start-up training for green sector businesses 
• Gardening and cookery classes 

Respondent Demographics