The OASIS green space in Wandsworth, which has been derelict for over a decade, holds a unique potential to become a vibrant community hub. Situated in a densely populated residential area, it's surrounded by estates and is in close proximity to iconic locations like Battersea Power Station and New Covent Garden Market. While it has been left unused for many years, there is now a renewed sense of hope for this space as Wandsworth Council works to breathe new life into it.
I was honoured to be invited by Wandsworth Council to run a creative workshop with the local community to help shape the future of the OASIS green space. The goal of the workshop was to celebrate the neighbourhood as it is now, while also gathering innovative ideas about how this underused space could be transformed to better serve the people who live nearby.
Generating Ideas with the Local Community
During the workshop, I had the pleasure of engaging with community members of all ages. Together, we discussed what the neighbourhood currently has to offer and what could be improved in the OASIS space. The session sparked a lot of excitement and creativity as people shared their thoughts and visions for the space's future.
One of the key themes that emerged from the discussions was the need for a safe outdoor area where children could play and engage in activities. This resonated with many workshop attendees, particularly families who are looking for spaces that are both secure and stimulating for their children. Ideas such as a skate park, a splash pad, and other interactive play areas were met with great enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of creating a space that welcomes young people and families.
A Space for All Ages
While creating a children’s play area was a priority, it was also clear that the OASIS space has the potential to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Suggestions ranged from quiet gardens and seating areas for relaxation to open spaces for community events and outdoor fitness activities. It’s evident that the space could be multifunctional, catering to the diverse needs of the local population, from children to seniors.
The community members were eager to see a space that encourages social interaction and physical activity while maintaining an atmosphere of calm and safety. The creative ideas generated during the workshop highlighted how important it is for the green space to serve as a gathering point for people, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
Looking Toward the Future
As the planning process moves forward, I truly hope that the ideas and feedback gathered in the workshop will shape the future of the OASIS green space in a way that the community will find meaningful and impactful. A safe outdoor space for children to play is a wonderful starting point, but it’s exciting to think about all the ways this space can evolve to benefit the whole neighbourhood.
It’s a privilege to have been part of such an inspiring project that focuses on reimagining a space for the people who live there. I’m optimistic that, with continued community input, the OASIS green space will become a place that locals can be proud of—a space that brings people together and offers a variety of activities that enhance the quality of life in the area.
Engaging the Community: Reimagining the OASIS Green Space in Wandsworth
As part of a larger initiative to reimagine the OASIS green space in Wandsworth, the local council has been collecting valuable insights from the community to understand what residents need and want from this space. The aim is to ensure that any changes made will not only benefit the community but also actively engage the people who matter most—the locals who live nearby and would be the primary users of the space.
Being involved in creative reimagining exercises like this one is something I truly enjoy. There’s a unique opportunity to create spaces that are not just functional, but also inspiring and inclusive. For me, this kind of community engagement goes beyond the typical formalities of public meetings or surveys. Not everyone feels comfortable speaking up in traditional settings, and some may find it challenging to articulate their thoughts or concerns in a public forum. That’s where creativity can play a powerful role.
The Power of Creative Engagement
As a creative, I strongly believe in the power of play, especially in an accessible environment, to help people express their thoughts, generate ideas, and initiate meaningful discussion. Traditional formats like meetings and surveys often fail to capture the full range of opinions, especially from those who are quieter or less inclined to share in formal settings. In a more relaxed, creative environment, people can feel more comfortable and open up in ways they might not otherwise.
For the OASIS green space project, we provided a space for participants to engage in activities that allowed them to express their ideas in a hands-on, interactive way. Instead of simply talking about what the space should look like, we invited community members to play with ideas, sketch, and collaborate. This approach encouraged an exciting, proactive exchange of ideas that helped to uncover deeper insights about how the space could best serve the community.
A Collaborative and Inclusive Approach
The creative workshops I ran allowed people to explore their visions for the green space in a way that felt comfortable and empowering. This hands-on approach not only inspired fresh ideas but also fostered a sense of ownership and involvement among the local residents.
What I love about this kind of collaborative process is that it gives everyone—regardless of age, background, or experience—a chance to contribute. It’s a wonderful way to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, and that the end result reflects the true desires and needs of the community.
Looking Ahead: A Green Space for All
As the project progresses, I’m excited to see how these creative workshops and community consultations will help shape the future of the OASIS green space. The insights and ideas generated during these sessions are invaluable, and I’m hopeful that they will lead to a space that truly serves the people who live there. Whether it’s creating a safe place for children to play or providing areas for relaxation and social gatherings, I believe this green space has the potential to become a true community asset.
Community engagement is such a rewarding process, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of it. I look forward to seeing the OASIS green space evolve and can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on the local area in the future.
Thank you to Wandsworth Council and the Nine Elms and Battersea community for involving me in this decision making process and embracing my work and to artist PiNS for being my inspiring neighbour. I can’t wait to see how the OASIS green space transforms in the years to come!
Artist PiNS created a collaborative art piece on the wall behind entitled ‘Groasis.’ Each segment of the artwork was decorated by a member of the local community, and on completion, revealed the word ‘GROW.’