Do you want to get involved in creating a new community map of Wester Hailes?
A group of local organisations are working with Napier University to explore the “Seven Kingdoms” – the seven neighbourhoods – of Wester Hailes. We are looking for residents who want to help create images of the Seven Kingdoms and help describe the character and special identity of each of the seven areas.
During this coming summer we will be publishing seven postcards for the residents in Wester Hailes – each with a simple challenge for you to take part in and each with a chance to win £20 through a prize draw.
We want to find out more about the open green spaces of Wester Hailes. The buildings and homes. The destinations that you use. The squares, play parks and views. This will help us draw a new community map of Wester Hailes.
To take part in the challenges follow the instructions below:
Challenge #1
1. ‘What do you see outside your window?’
Take a photo from your window to show us your view of Wester Hailes.
2. ‘What would you like to see when you look outside your window?’
Draw a picture of (or write down) your ideas for what you would like to look at in the future.
3. Submit
See the details below for where to send your response. To take part in the £20 prize draw for challenge #2 send your response before June 26, 2020. You can still send your ideas after that date but won’t be part of the draw.
Challenge #2 – Housing
1. ‘How should your home be “retrofitted” for the future?
Tell us how you feel about your home. Answer the small questionnaire below by visiting https://tinyurl.com/y53gvoyx (survey closed).
You can also read the questions here on the website or perhaps you will have seen the postcards we distributed around Wester Hailes.
2. ‘How would you re-design your home?’
Draw, write, make a collage, or choose another creative way of showing us how you would re-design your home if you had the chance.
3. Submit
Either use the online survey (https://tinyurl.com/y53gvoyx) see the details below for where to send your response. To take part in the £20 prize draw for challenge #2 send your response before July 17, 2020. You can still send your ideas after that date but won’t be part of the draw.
Challenge #3 – the Community Map
NB: extension notice
This challenge was planned for July but has been extended/repeated due to the current pandemic. You are still able to send your suggestions for the top 5 locations in Wester Hailes by dropping off the postcard at Whale Arts or by sending an email with your top locations to westerhailesplaceplan@gmail.com before November 30, 2020.
2. ‘What is your favourite place in Wester Hailes?’
For some time there has been talk of making a new community map and we need your help to decide which sights, destinations, roads and buildings should be included to help people better understand Wester Hailes.
For some residents the Westside Plaza and the bingo hall are the most important destinations; for others the community garden and the WHEC. If you take part in the challenge by suggesting your five favourite locations you have the chance to win £20.
2. Submit
see the details below for how to send your response. To take part in the £20 prize draw for challenge #3 send your response before July 31, 2020. You can still send your ideas after that date but won’t be part of the draw.
NB: extension notice
This challenge was planned for July but has been extended/repeated due to the current pandemic. You are still able to send your suggestions for the top 5 locations in Wester Hailes by dropping off the postcard at Whale Arts or by sending an email with your top locations to westerhailesplaceplan@gmail.com before November 30, 2020.
Challenge #4 – Arts, Crafts & Business
1. What would a logo for Wester Hailes look like?
We are looking for designs for a new brand/logo for the products and services that are made by residents in Wester Hailes. Get involved in the second challenge for a chance to win £20.
2. Submit
see the details below for how to send your response. To take part in the £20 prize draw for challenge #3 send your response before July 24, 2020. You can still send your ideas after that date but won’t be part of the draw.
How to submit your responses
Take a photo of your drawings/writing/artwork (or as specified in the challenge) and send it to us via email, mobile, social media or post:
via email to westerhailesplaceplan@gmail.com
via mobile (MMS) / WhatsApp to 07377 995047
OR drop the postcard of at WHALE Arts, 30 Westburn Grove, Edinburgh, EH14 2SA, on FRIDAYS 1-2pm when the community meal is on.
Information on the coming challenges will be posted here and on our social media platforms. If you want to stay updated you can also sign up to the newsletter below.
Be part of developing a “Place Vision” for the Seven Kingdoms
We are also looking for new ideas for how the area can develop in the future. Two Place Vision Leads, Marion & René, will be working with local residents, organisations, council officials and researchers at Napier University to explore the “Seven Kingdoms” of Wester Hailes through seven different themes that were developed from early engagement before Scotland went into lockdown.