Parsonage Place, Otham
Embedding community engagement
FrancisKnight, were appointed by Bellway Homes, to produce a public art delivery plan for Parsonage Place that places community engagement at the heart of the public art commissioning. The delivery plan supported a full planning application for a distinctive and high-quality development of 421 dwellings with a mixture of affordable homes and private sale, and a landscape framework comprising of a network of open spaces and landscaped buffers.
The site was a single arable field, bound by trees and hedgerows. A Public Right of Way passed through this area, from Church Road, at its Eastern end, connecting to an area of open space outside the Northwest corner of the site. To the North of the site, the Grade 1 listed St Nicholas Church and Grade II listed Church House, can be found.
Rob Turner, a Kent-based artist was commissioned to develop public artwork with a focus on the surrounding landscape, and the retained views of the Church. Community engagement has been a key element within the public art approach.
Over 4oo individuals were involved in community workshop programmes with pupils from Madginford Primary School, and Senacre Wood Primary School producing community maps, bird and bat boxes, drawings and contributing to design ideas. A community walk saw 50 participants take part leading the artist around Otham and highlighting interesting areas and stories of the village. Artist led activity was held at 6 community venues, including St Nicholas Church. The engagement was inclusive with community contributions revealing local history and heritage, strengthening local identity, and bringing the community closer together.
A press release was issued by Liberty PR on behalf of Bellway – read more here.
Permanent artworks within the development include bird and bat boxes, signage and seating, a floor text based artwork and a mosaic.