Residents at Olive Mount Gardens had an unusual and entertaining afternoon of musical and visual fun on Thursday, 31 July when Liverpool based performing arts organisation BROUHAHA came to perform. There were performances from 2 international artists: The Belmont Freetown Cultural Arts & Folk Company from Trinidad & Tobago, a well established music and dance group who performed their show based on old time carnival characters.  Poland's Don't Panic Brass Band also performed an exciting fusion of polish traditional compositions.  Diane Maddock, Community Development Co-ordinator for Cosmopolitan Housing Association said: "It has been a great day and we were very pleased with the turn-out! In addition to the fabulous international performances we had a local Mosaic Artist here working with local residents to create a piece of work depicting the Superlambanana that is currently on show in the Gardens" She added: "This event would not have been possible without the support of Brouhaha and the grant from the Capital of Culture and so we are very grateful for their contributions which have made today such a success!"

Olive Mount Gardens is a fantastic open space forming the centrepiece of the regeneration of the Olive Mount neighbourhood in Wavertree.  The Garden comprises of five transitional spaces creating a distinct environment, this is based on the symbolism of a river like journey through life with carefully chosen materials and art installations which enhance the experience of five individual gardens, such as the sensory and memorial gardens. 

  

The gardens were planned in extensive consultation with local

residents and potential users and the design ethos, with safety, security and accessibility as prime considerations has led to the gardens benefiting from the protective gaze of the surrounding communities.

Olive Mount Gardens are popular with the whole community; mothers and children, elderly people, dog walkers and people simply passing through.  The space is a green and welcoming

heart for many people where they can meet, play, relax and hold organised events.

The Tree of Life and Olive's Bench were the result of extensive consultation with the local Steering Group, the group chose the Artists from a shortlist, briefed and guided them in the creation of two fantastic pieces of art.

In November 2007, Olive Mount Gardens were declared a National Awards winer by BALI - the British Association of Landscape Industries.   

 

Again, the Gardens have been shortlisted for the prestigious RIC's North West Award from 26 entries into the final six in the Community Benefit category.  We find out if we are winners at the Awards Ceremony at the Liverpool Echo Arena on 16 May 2008 - fingers crossed!

 

 

Diane Maddock, Community Development Coordinator said: "I think what has been achieved at Olive Mount gardens is as impressive as anything you'll find in the country, not just the North West.  The local community helped us design and create it and now they are able to enjoy this fantastic facility every day, whether it's to relax amongst the sculptures, playing with their children or walking the dog.  It's something we are all very proud of having helped to create.  The Architects, Halsall Lloyd Partnership gave inspiration to local people and helped them to focus on what could be achieved using their imagination"

For further information about Olive Mount Gardens contact Diane Maddocks on 0151 227 3716 or email dmaddocks@cosmopolitanhousing.co.uk 

 

Working in partnership with Halton Borough Council, Cosmopolitan provided funding to run a one day scheme to recycle and get rid of bulky items such as TV's, fridge freezers and sofa's, that could have the potential of being fly tipped on waste or green land throughout Halton Lodge.  The event was a great success for the local community, Cosmopolitan and Halton Borough Council and even better for the environment.  Positive results from this event include a reduction in fly tipping and residents are now more aware of recycling their unwanted larger items. 

For the past few years we have been working in partnership with local footballer Howard Gale who some may know once played professionally for Liverpool Football Club back in the 1980's.  Howard runs a soccer camp during the school holidays for local young people in the Liverpool 8 neighbourhood.  Through our Community Support Awards, Cosmopolitan are a proud sponsor of this annual project that aims to get young people active and focused during the long summer weeks.  It's not just about football, it's about team building, leadership skills,   citizenship, healthy lifestyles and much more than just sport.  For more information contact Diane Maddock on 0151 227 3716 or email: dmaddock@cosmopolitanhousing.co.uk

Stories of Steps is a community project based in Dingle at the Herculaneum steps. The steps are historical to local people and have provided a link with the waterfront and the Dingle neighbourhood for many years, in the early 20th century they were used by Dockers who earned their living at Herculaneum docks and most recently by locals who use the steps to access Liverpool's waterfront. 

Working in partnership with ENVAR, Liverpool Culture Company and Operation Eden, Cosmopolitan Housing Association provided financial support for the project that encouraged local people to reflect their memories that were recorded for many other people to enjoy for years to come and are all displayed in a booklet, Stories of Steps, which can be downloaded here. The project also staged an evening of memories through local drama and storytelling using local organisations where the community could enjoy an evening listening to memories and meeting up with neighbours old and new.

Olive Gardens is now coming to life out of the piles of soil and rubble that have dominated the site since works began in June. Striking 2.5m high entrance walls, artistic railings, feature window grilles and perimeter railings are helping to define the spaces and give an early taste of the overall design.

At Mill Lane entrance, sturdy new paving and an intricate pattern of richly coloured stone setts are already creating an enticing environment.
English Landscapes, the contractors, are making good progress. Although earthmoving was held up by heavy rain in August and early September, they are confident that works will be complete as scheduled by 26th November.

During the coming weeks we expect ongoing construction of walls, paving and laying of turf through September and October. The finishing touches will include rendering of the feature walls, the planting of shrubs and installing the semi-mature trees during November.

 

 

 

 

Working in partnership with Liverpool Culture Company the Association took

part in an event to mark the capital of culture year 2008. On 20 August 2006 young people took part in a community art project with local artist Alan Murray who

created Liverpool's unique skyline using mosaic tiles. The impressive finished piece is housed at Cosmopolitan's Head Office and clearly brings lots of colour to our reception area.