A People-Powered Regeneration
The perception often held about regeneration is that it’s something enacted upon a community from the outside, with the local populace subject to, rather than participants in, the process. The People-Powered Regeneration project in Blue Bermondsey is intended to take a different approach, emphasizing that local residents are not merely onlookers in the face of change, but key contributors and drivers of it.
This project is fundamentally about enabling residents to retain control over their environment, to shape the places in which they live and work.
Furthermore, the project is about more than physical and economic changes; at its root, it’s about people. The aim is to cultivate a community that is not only alive and thriving, but one where residents are actively engaged in its evolution.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the project. The goal is to help Blue Bermondsey evolve into a space where everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, has the right to participate, socially and economically, and can reap the benefits of development.
Of course, we’re well aware of our forebears in this endeavour - the New Deal for Communities, and indeed, the Big Local projects. The latter spawned several of the partner organisations who are involved in this project.
The big difference from those previous projects is that they had massive investment, in the millions. We don’t, and that’s another reason why this has to be truly ‘people-powered’. The other difference is that there was often a hopeful sense that the projects would be permanently transformative - that they would ‘solve the problem’ of disadvantaged communities for good. That was the thrust of Blair’s speech about the ‘left-behind’ in the Aylesbury estate, not far from where this project is based. Blair kicked off the New Deal for communities projects there: as if to say, ‘we will bring you up to speed, once and for all.’ It didn’t work like that, even if the achievements of those projects were sometimes significant and lasting.
The issue is that change is never permanent, but rather, constant, especially in living, breathing communities, which have an annoying habit of continuing to change, for better and worse, as the world progresses. Not least, as governments change, economic conditions worsen, aand large amounts of investment that once appeared disappear for good. Much as we wish we had those days back again, we know that what we are doing in this project is just one more wave of the continued renewal and investment of efforts and income that communities need. The best of those major past projects managed to make lasting change and put in place drivers for future change. We are part of that legacy, but also acting as the next generation - albeit in a totally changed policy and socio-economic environment.
Introduction
Back in 2021, we started the project with a clear goal: facilitating economic development in the Blue Bermondsey BID area. It quickly became clear that success hinged on a collaborative approach involving local businesses, residents, and a wide range of stakeholders. Alongside this, we had ssecured £2m in funding to redevelop the market, from the GLA Good Growth Fund. Making sure that the communities around the market itself benefited from the same attention was vital to making the work a success.
Getting to Know Our Community
Understanding the community was our first significant step. By mapping local activities, identifying needs and resources, and pinpointing potential development areas, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the local area and its complexities.
Concurrently, we did deep-dive social research into community experiences. It was vital to learn about the community's needs and desires to ensure our efforts would meet these effectively. But this was not solely about economics - this was about what people’s sense of place meant to them. And it turned up far more substantial matters to focus on than a list of shops and services, perhaps much more so than anticpated by some of our partners. The deeper fabric of social life was revealed - in all its opportunities and challenges. We’e worked to ensure that dealing with those factors is a key part of our work - not just the standard market regeneration that is often taken by developers and local councils.
Setting Our Priorities
Based on our research and the insights gathered, we agreed on a set of priorities. This wasn't just a strategic plan; it was a commitment to the community of Blue Bermondsey:
Creating Opportunity: We aim to foster a vibrant local economy that meets the needs and aspirations of residents.
Asset Management: Protecting and enhancing local assets to serve the community effectively is key.
Community Connection: We want to build a stronger, more connected community.
Promoting Equity and Tolerance: It's vital to empower individuals from ethnic minorities and challenge intolerance.
Communication and Storytelling: We hope to share diverse narratives about Bermondsey to reshape perceptions and envision a better future.
A Vision for the Future
Our vision for the Blue Market is ambitious and meant to inspire. We see it as a cosmopolitan marketplace that encourages diversity, social interaction, and community spirit. More than just a trading place, it's a space that fosters understanding, collaboration, and friendship.
Achievements and the Road Ahead
Our efforts have already led to several successful projects, including a significant heritage project exploring previously unheard histories. Another noteworthy achievement is the transformation and success of market stalls, particularly those operated by our local BAME communities.
The journey continues, and our work in Blue Bermondsey is far from over. We remain committed to working collaboratively, maintaining a holistic view, and staying focused on our priorities. We are excited to further the 'people-powered regeneration' for the whole Bermondsey Blue area and continue serving our community.
You can find out more about the market itself here. And if you would like to work with me on place-based projects to engage your community in a meaningful way, please do get in touch.
Guardian Article: Blue Market, Bermondsey – how to revive your local outdoor trading hub for £2m