A sense of belonging
How a group of Fellows is driving creative engagement and commercial activity in Chard, Somerset
When Fellow Phil Shepherd discovered that a council-owned former lace mill in Chard, Somerset, lay vacant - thanks to information from another local Fellow, Paul Buchanan - he got together with colleagues Nic Brace and Tim Martin to take the town's existing regeneration plans to the next level.
The group worked with the South Somerset District Council to develop a vision for the future use of Boden Mill. By creating opportunities for employment, training and leisure activity, they hope to engage citizens in civic life and strengthen local identity. “The goal is to enable the whole community to experience and participate in creative and cultural activity,” says Shepherd.
Plans include the conversion of a car park into a market garden that will supply fresh produce to a covered market and café, meeting the local sustainability agenda. The site will provide opportunities for theatre companies and musicians to perform, along with space for exhibitions, installations and training sessions.
The group plans to use its £1,000 RSA Catalyst award to involve local community leaders, schools and businesses in a consultation exercise aimed at initiating debate and canvassing support. Shepherd sees the development of the site as "a process of engagement" and believes that it is crucial to build strong relationships with local individuals and organisations, from higher education and training providers to arts professionals and social entrepreneurs. He will also be looking to the RSA Fellowship for inspiration and advice about how to turn a great idea into a commercially viable project.
In the long term, Shepherd and his colleagues hope to make Boden Mill "a national example of how creativity can provide an enhanced sense of belonging and a wider perception of income generation and sustainable living".
Get involved
If you’re able to provide support or advice to the Boden Project, email Phil Shepherd.
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