A collection of 76 micro-projects, envisioned by the local community and created to bring the changing town of Dalston together.

Dalston was experiencing a period of physical change, with the effects of regeneration creating great opportunities, but also bringing with them disruption. The ‘Making Space in Dalston’ project was developed to connect Dalston’s existing communities with the new town centre and reap the benefits of the extension to the East London Line.

The project began with a study and engagement process with the local community, and soon became a strategy to celebrate and enhance public and shared spaces in the area.

Appleyards provided initial cost advice in a non-standard form of procurement for the projects envisioned by the community steering group; which included a local artist group, local community colleges, and local businesses. We were also responsible for preparation of tender documents for contractors and evaluating the tender documentation. Amongst the various projects for which Appleyards provided cost advice and managed the procurement were:

Barn and Eco Garden
Previously a piece of waste land, this is now an area for the community to enjoy, featuring tactile planting, raised flower beds and a pond area. The barn area provides a space for community gatherings.

Gillett Square
This area will be used to host outdoor performances, and as such, suitable audio visual equipment has been purchased, and storage for it provided. It also features a building containing sports equipment to be used by local residents.

Rhodes Estate
This project aimed to create a space for young people, it improved the existing sports court, making it more accessible and usable for a variety of different sports. It also took empty spaces and filled them with orchards, paving, planters, etc.