Funded by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, the project – the colourful transformation of a concrete sports pitch – has formed part of a wider Community Ambassador Programme.
The community sports space is located on the Sadler Close estate in Mitcham, a 1970s redbrick post-industrial estate where two of POoR Collectives founders grew up.
The project for revitalising the outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA) was delivered in collaboration with local young people from the estate. POoR worked closely with the group to co-design it to ensure it reflected the community’s needs.
This was done via a series of create engagement activities starting with door-to-door outreach.
Residents were invited to participate through a series of workshops, which included photography, walks around Mitcham and co-design sessions at Shine Youth Group in Mitcham Library and on the site.
Twelve young residents and five parents, carers and family members participated, alongside two Clarion apprentices who supported the site’s transformation and helped paint the MUGA.
The outreach stage reached over 30 young people and parents. The final design is in colours of blue, orange and yellow.
Last year, POoR Collective worked with GPAD to complete an overhaul of the rundown Copthall Pavilion in Barnet, north London.
In 2023, they guest-edited an issue of the AJ – titiled Power Out of Restriction – with features highlighting the term co-design, looking at youth-focused buildings and spotlighting mentoring organisations.
POoR Collective co-founder Larry Botchway, currently an associate for Public Practice at Richmond and Wandsworth councils, said of the MUGA co-design: ‘Working with this sharp, energetic group of young people has been a joy.
‘Sadler Close MUGA proves that, with the right tools and trust, young people can transform a neglected space in Mitcham into a bold and vibrant hub for play, creativity and community pride.’