Arts group’s wacky idea to make use of old bus kiosks (From Gazette)
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Arts group’s wacky idea to make use of old bus kiosks
10:40am Tuesday 21st September 2010 in News By Frances Leate
Dom Harding and Marc De’ath – of the Creative Co-op
A REDUNDANT newsagent’s and an old luggage area at a bus station will soon undergo a dramatic transformation.
The two disused kiosks at Colchester Bus Station, in Queen Street, have been taken over by the Creative Co-op and Colchester Council.
They have invited members of the public to find temporary uses for them in the Hidden Kiosk Project.
Ideas include using the kiosks for a temporary music venue, pop-up shops or theatre, with a team of judges deciding on the final plan.
The space can be used for projects varying from one weekend to three months, and suggestions that could bring in revenue are welcomed.
Dom Harding, from the Creative Co-op, an arts group based in Queen Street, said: “The Hidden Kiosks Project will inspire and bring together the community.
“The aim is to encourage a unique expression of entrepreneurship, showcase local talent and promote the concept that running your own business, even in a tough climate, is accessible to all with a little bit of imagination.”
Marc De’ath, director of the Creative Co-op, added: “The crazier and the wackier the better.”
The kiosks will eventually be demolished as part of the Cultural Quarter regeneration development. Entries will be shortlisted to ten proposals on October 23, and the winners will open and manage their ventures for an agreed period with the help of a mentor and a grant of up to £250.
For a list of judging criteria and information about how to enter, log on to tinyurl.com/hiddenkioskproject-blog
Comments(8)
Sdapeze
says...
5:16pm Tue 21 Sep 10
Anna Key
says...
7:03pm Tue 21 Sep 10
Feisty CBC
says...
9:57pm Tue 21 Sep 10
Andy Hamilton
says...
10:48pm Tue 21 Sep 10
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The Council refused to allow a secure storage container in the empty space by the waiting room on the grounds of imminent development. One year later the space there is still unused.
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The Council gave Slackspace the lease of Shoeworld and all they use is the walls. Again mobility scooters are not allowed to be stored in the empty spaces.
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Not one councillor has supported mobility scooter provision at the Bus Park. Instead they shell out £30,000/year to keep Shopmobility out at St Marys car park for car users only.
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Even if a nearby property was purchased, I have been told that the Council would invent Health and Safety concerns to keep disabled people out of the Bus Park. So mean but typical of this despicable public body.
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Anna Key
says...
6:10am Wed 22 Sep 10
Boris
says...
11:57am Wed 22 Sep 10
I still don't understand why CBC is so hostile to disabled people, forcing them off the buses and into their families' cars, which of course not every disabled person can call upon.
Andy Hamilton
says...
11:20pm Wed 22 Sep 10
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I never had an answer why Colchester Council refuses to allow charitable mobility scooter provision at no cost to themselves. Contrast that with the open ended subsidies for the artistic elite. I look forward to the October Council meeting to denounce this petty and arrogant organisation.
The REAL Norm says...
11:37am Tue 21 Sep 10
No doubt based at 15 Queen Street, the property that was handed over at mates rates to FirstS*ite. Colchester Council needs to stop squandering its cash on pointless arts projects. The VAF, SlackerSpace - just think of all the better causes the cash could have been used for.
Anyway, back to this story. What's the point if these kiosks are being demolished anyway. Why not take the grants and use it to incentivise a real business to set up in a real retail outlet in the town centre.
Time for my morning tea. I'm opening a new pack of digestives today...!