Cambridge's Kite Initiative: Soaring Towards Community Empowerment
September 11, 2024, 12:25 am
Location: United Kingdom, England, Cambridge
Employees: 1001-5000
Total raised: $2.14M
In the heart of Cambridge, a new initiative is taking flight. The "Let's Go Fly the Kite" project aims to breathe life into the historic Kite neighborhood. This area, once a bustling center of commerce, is poised for a renaissance. The initiative is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building community.
On September 6, 2024, Daniel Zeichner, the local MP, marked the launch of this ambitious project. He added a brick to a giant Lego sculpture, symbolizing the foundation of a new era. This sculpture is more than a playful nod to childhood; it represents the vision for a "Science of Life Quarter." This quarter will be a hub for inclusive economic development and citizen-led enterprise.
The project is spearheaded by Together Culture Community Interest Company (CIC) in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Together, they aim to transform the Kite area into a vibrant community space. The Lego model serves as a visual guide, a tangible representation of what the future holds.
The initiative is backed by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. This funding will kickstart a six-month citizen science project. The goal? To uncover the rich history of collaboration and entrepreneurship that once thrived in the Kite area. This neighborhood, often overshadowed by the university's prestige, has its own story to tell.
Local residents will be trained as oral historians. They will gather stories, memories, and experiences, creating a "human map" of the area. This living archive will be developed in collaboration with ARU's Story Lab. The community will host tea parties, fostering connections and conversations. These gatherings will serve as a platform for sharing tales of the past and dreams for the future.
The project will culminate in a Festival of the Kite in February 2025. This festival will be a celebration of community spirit and creativity. Residents will co-create a new experience economy enterprise, expanding Cambridge's narrative beyond its academic roots.
The Kite initiative is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that community-driven projects can spark change. They can revitalize neighborhoods and empower residents. This is not just about economic growth; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, the Combined Authority has received good news. The Government has lifted its Best Value Notice, recognizing the authority's improvement efforts. This decision reflects a commitment to better governance and partnership working. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) acknowledged the progress made since the notice was first issued in January 2024.
The Combined Authority has worked diligently to address concerns. An Independent Improvement Board was established to guide this transformation. The focus has been on changing the organizational culture, enhancing processes, and embedding continuous improvement.
The lifting of the notice is a significant milestone. It signals a new chapter for the Combined Authority. The Government's recognition of progress is a testament to the hard work of many. It’s a collective victory for all involved.
In August, the Government also agreed to release £3.85 million in funding previously withheld. This financial boost will support ongoing initiatives and projects. The Combined Authority has demonstrated its commitment to delivering value for money and effective services.
Significant achievements include the approval of a Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. This plan aims to enhance connectivity across the region. The Combined Authority has also made strides in developing a Shared Ambition for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
At the recent UKREiiF conference, the Combined Authority showcased its potential. It was the first to adopt a single assurance framework, setting a precedent for others. This proactive approach has garnered attention and accolades.
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr. Nik Johnson, expressed pride in the progress made. The expiry of the Best Value Notice is a fantastic endorsement of the hard work put in by everyone involved.
The Chief Executive of the Combined Authority, Rob Bridge, echoed this sentiment. He praised the dedication of staff and partners. Their collective efforts have transformed the organization.
As the Kite initiative takes flight, it symbolizes hope and renewal. It’s a reminder that communities can come together to create change. The stories unearthed through this project will weave a rich tapestry of the Kite neighborhood's history.
In the same vein, the Combined Authority's improvements reflect a commitment to better governance. Both initiatives highlight the power of collaboration. They show that when communities and authorities work together, they can achieve remarkable results.
As Cambridge looks to the future, the Kite initiative and the Combined Authority's progress serve as beacons of possibility. They remind us that with vision and determination, communities can soar. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
On September 6, 2024, Daniel Zeichner, the local MP, marked the launch of this ambitious project. He added a brick to a giant Lego sculpture, symbolizing the foundation of a new era. This sculpture is more than a playful nod to childhood; it represents the vision for a "Science of Life Quarter." This quarter will be a hub for inclusive economic development and citizen-led enterprise.
The project is spearheaded by Together Culture Community Interest Company (CIC) in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Together, they aim to transform the Kite area into a vibrant community space. The Lego model serves as a visual guide, a tangible representation of what the future holds.
The initiative is backed by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. This funding will kickstart a six-month citizen science project. The goal? To uncover the rich history of collaboration and entrepreneurship that once thrived in the Kite area. This neighborhood, often overshadowed by the university's prestige, has its own story to tell.
Local residents will be trained as oral historians. They will gather stories, memories, and experiences, creating a "human map" of the area. This living archive will be developed in collaboration with ARU's Story Lab. The community will host tea parties, fostering connections and conversations. These gatherings will serve as a platform for sharing tales of the past and dreams for the future.
The project will culminate in a Festival of the Kite in February 2025. This festival will be a celebration of community spirit and creativity. Residents will co-create a new experience economy enterprise, expanding Cambridge's narrative beyond its academic roots.
The Kite initiative is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that community-driven projects can spark change. They can revitalize neighborhoods and empower residents. This is not just about economic growth; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, the Combined Authority has received good news. The Government has lifted its Best Value Notice, recognizing the authority's improvement efforts. This decision reflects a commitment to better governance and partnership working. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) acknowledged the progress made since the notice was first issued in January 2024.
The Combined Authority has worked diligently to address concerns. An Independent Improvement Board was established to guide this transformation. The focus has been on changing the organizational culture, enhancing processes, and embedding continuous improvement.
The lifting of the notice is a significant milestone. It signals a new chapter for the Combined Authority. The Government's recognition of progress is a testament to the hard work of many. It’s a collective victory for all involved.
In August, the Government also agreed to release £3.85 million in funding previously withheld. This financial boost will support ongoing initiatives and projects. The Combined Authority has demonstrated its commitment to delivering value for money and effective services.
Significant achievements include the approval of a Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. This plan aims to enhance connectivity across the region. The Combined Authority has also made strides in developing a Shared Ambition for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
At the recent UKREiiF conference, the Combined Authority showcased its potential. It was the first to adopt a single assurance framework, setting a precedent for others. This proactive approach has garnered attention and accolades.
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr. Nik Johnson, expressed pride in the progress made. The expiry of the Best Value Notice is a fantastic endorsement of the hard work put in by everyone involved.
The Chief Executive of the Combined Authority, Rob Bridge, echoed this sentiment. He praised the dedication of staff and partners. Their collective efforts have transformed the organization.
As the Kite initiative takes flight, it symbolizes hope and renewal. It’s a reminder that communities can come together to create change. The stories unearthed through this project will weave a rich tapestry of the Kite neighborhood's history.
In the same vein, the Combined Authority's improvements reflect a commitment to better governance. Both initiatives highlight the power of collaboration. They show that when communities and authorities work together, they can achieve remarkable results.
As Cambridge looks to the future, the Kite initiative and the Combined Authority's progress serve as beacons of possibility. They remind us that with vision and determination, communities can soar. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.