Brentford Voice Launches Pride in Place Initiative
Wants to hear your views on the things that make the area better
Initiative seeks to identify what makes Brentford unique. Picture: Brentford Voice
February 16, 2023
Brentford Voice is looking to get an initiative underway called ‘Pride in Place’ to celebrate all that’s good and great in Brentford. It will eventually include a year-long programme of events and activities determined by feedback from the community.
The local campaign group is seeking to identify the people, places and organisations which give the area its sense of place and unique identity as massive regeneration takes place.
Brentford Voice believes there’s a uniqueness, richness and identity in Brentford which perhaps distinguishes our community from that of our neighbours.
With a Town Centre Master Plan being presented this spring, Brentford Voice believes the initiative will provide an opportunity for our community to highlight exactly what it is that provides a sense of place of which we can be proud.
A spokesperson for Brentford Voice said, “Brentford is undergoing a huge regeneration programme which will change the way Brentford looks and feels. Whilst much of this is welcome it has caused division and uncertainty in our community. Brentford has long standing communities, some of which view this change as high-rise gentrification, accompanied by the loss of much of our built heritage. They also have concerns as to what benefits this change will bring to our community, and rightfully so.
“However, those very same existing communities have created a uniqueness, richness and identity in Brentford which perhaps distinguishes our community from that of our neighbours. Pride in Place makes a big contribution to our sense of wellbeing, inclusion, resilience, and connection.
“With the Town Centre Master Plan coming forward this year it's time to start changing the widespread negative narrative and look at how we can all find ways to make Brentford thrive - not just survive. The Town Centre Master Plan provides an opportunity for our community to highlight exactly what it is that provides a sense of place in which we can be proud of. However, change must happen ‘with’ our community and not ‘to’ it.
“We have an awful lot to be proud of Brentford, however we rarely shine a light on those collective assets and the people who help shape and create our unique identity. It’s vital that these should form the cornerstones of proposals that will affect our community.”
Not just people and organisations but places can also generate 'Pride in Place'
Pride in Place is intended to celebrate the people, places, and experiences that make Brentford unique. Brentford Voice would like to hear from you who, what, or where you think exemplifies all that’s good and gives you a warm sense of pride and belonging to the great Brentford community.
To get the ball rolling it has made some initial suggestions –
• The mighty Bees – Brentford Football Club
• The Hounslow FoodBox
• Our Heritage and Local History
• The Brentford Fountain
• Air Quality Brentford
• Our Parks
• Our Waterways
• The Brentford Canal Festival
• The Creative Mile
• Our Museums
• Our places of worship (past and present))
• Your favourite Pubs
• Your favourite music venues
• Your favourite places to eat – cafes and restaurants
• Other local businesses
• Your favourite views
• Our community of creative artists
• Watermans Arts Centre
• Your local photographers, in Brentford
• Your neighbours!
It can be anything, any place or anybody, just provide Brentford Voice with a short description as to why you think we should recognise their significance or work in creating Pride in Place of Brentford.
Once feedback has been received it plans to share and celebrate your Pride in Place thoughts and ideas through a yet to be created programme of events with a view to swelling our sense of community, local pride and belonging.
You are also encouraged to participate in the Town Centre Master Plan consultation when it begins.
Brentford Voice says, “It’s crucial for the London Borough of Hounslow to recognise that the vitality of our town centre is directly related to the vitality of our community, and by investing in our town centre, we also invest, boost, develop and celebrate our local pride.”
You can send your Pride in Place recommendations and thoughts to: info@brentfordvoice.co.uk.
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