We are thrilled to share the outcomes of our recent consultation meeting, where we came together to brainstorm ideas and plans for the future of our neighborhood following the demolition of the pensioners hut. Building upon the findings of our survey conducted last November, we sought your input on key questions and priorities for the redevelopment of the site. The level of participation and engagement was truly inspiring, reflecting our collective commitment to shaping a brighter future for our community.
We are always looking for more feedback so If you haven’t already, please complete the following questionnaire here.
Insights and findings from second consultation
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Questionare responses
During the meeting, we revisited the questions asked in the survey, which aimed to gather insights on the community’s needs, preferences, and priorities. From discussions and analysis of the survey data, several key takeaways emerged:
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Youth-Centric Approach: There was overwhelming support for a project centered around young people, with respondents highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for youth empowerment, skill-building, and social engagement. The desire for a space that fosters inclusivity, creativity, and personal development was echoed by many participants.
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Community Events Space: A shared sentiment among community members was the need for a dedicated space to host community events, gatherings, and activities. Participants emphasized the importance of creating a hub where residents can come together to socialize, celebrate, and strengthen community bonds.
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Innovative Solutions: Discussions also explored alternative ideas for the redevelopment of the site, with three standout concepts emerging:
- A community garden or green space, providing residents with a tranquil oasis for relaxation and recreation.
- A cultural center or arts hub, offering programming and resources to celebrate the rich diversity and heritage of our community.
- A pizzeria and youth hub, combining culinary training, social enterprise, and community engagement to create a vibrant and inclusive space for all.
Building upon these insights, we proposed the concept of a pizzeria and youth hub as a potential solution for the site. The idea garnered enthusiastic support from everyone, who recognised the potential to address multiple community needs while also offering a unique solution to our problems. In particular, the use of a permanent steel container for the pizzeria was seen as a forward-thinking and sustainable solution, as it is a long term solution, cost effective and has low environmental impact and maximise efficiency.
Previous meeting
Please click here to read the discussion of the previous community consultation about the fate of the pensioners hut including the condition survey.
As we move forward, we are committed to further researching and refining the concept of the pizzeria and youth hub, taking into account the valuable feedback and suggestions shared during the consultation meeting. Together, we have laid the groundwork for an exciting new chapter in our community’s history—one that prioritises the needs of our youth, celebrates our collective identity, and fosters a sense of belonging for all. We will continue to develop the concept further and a business plan to hopefully apply for funding within the next 2 months.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the meeting and contributed their ideas and insights. Your voices are essential in guiding the future direction of our community, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
I gotta say, I’m excited to see what’s cooking’ with this pizza idea. Pardon the pun. But let’s make sure it doesn’t just end up as another run-down spot. We need quality and something that will last, not a quick fix.
I missed the first meeting but managed to make the second. It was great to see so much positivity rather than everything been so doom and gloom for so long. I’ve been told that the project will be called ‘A slice of hope. That’s exactly what we all need! The pensioners hut has been ready to be knocked down since I was in school so definitely needed, just a bad eye sore. I’m not keen on seeing loads of fast food places all over Lowton, luckily there arnt that many and no pizza place? What the hell! They’re normally all over the place. This project seems different, like such a good idea and something the young people definitely need in our area. I hope it’ll be open to serve everyone though. I’m all for wood fired pizza yummm, it’ll do really well!
A pizzeria sounds ace, but let’s not forget about the bigger picture. We need to address the root issues in our community and make sure everyone has access to opportunities, not just the lucky few.
As a parent, I’m thrilled about the prospect of having a safe and engaging space for our kids to spend time after school. Get them off their screens for a change and get them talking to each other like we used to. Fond memories of the old youth club. I’m all for this!
The idea of using a steel container for the pizzeria is brilliant and sustainable. It’s great to see a project that not only sorts out a problem and what we need also priorities environmental responsibility. Excellent.
the old hut’s been an eyesore for ages, so it’s about time we did somefin about it. but let’s keep it real and make sure we’re gettin everyone involved, not just the big shots. I’ve said for years it’s a joke there’s no pizza place in Lowton. its about damm time
Don’t think for a second this will wash Wigan Council from selling off all the land to the house builders!!! I’m proud to be a part of Lowton all my life and to see it change is horrible. We definitely need something for the youth. This project (if it actually happens) seems like a step in the right direction. We’ll see. The proof is in the puddin.
Love the idea of a youth club, but let’s make sure it’s not all talk and no action. We need real support for our kids . Let’s make sure this project delivers what it promises
Bringing back the youth club and providing training opportunities for young people is a fantastic. If it goes ahead I would certainly like to volunteer and help out. A place for young people is exactly what we need in our community.
Bring back the Youth Club! The new youth club at Leigh Sports village is good but we need one in Lowton too so transport issues will be less of a problem.