Guidance for anyone involved in a public space project for the first time, giving examples of great outdoor spaces led by community groups.
All over the country, community groups are becoming involved in improving outdoor spaces. Over the past few years, a range of grants and funding programmes have been made available for this purpose. With the help of the Big Lottery Fund and other funding bodies this looks set to continue.
This guide is to help anyone involved in a public space project for the first time. It gives examples of great outdoor spaces led by community groups and highlights lessons from their experiences. It is neither a substitute for the need to employ an experienced design professional; nor does it provide a comprehensive guide to involving and consulting people. It seeks to inspire people to demand better places and in doing so challenges users of this guide to think carefully about leaving a legacy of excellence in the projects that emerge.