Fabric District – An Emerging Vision for Islington

This urban neighbourhood has traditionally been home to the fabric industry. For many it feels forgotten, but passionate local business owners are changing this.

Suzy Jennions, Richard Jennions, Jason Abbott and Paul Durose have established the CIC, formed a Stakeholder Group, developed a brand, and produced a Vision document for the area.

Fabric District CIC commissioned us to find out more about:

What people think will make the neighbourhood a better place – and what they don’t want to lose as the area develops
What kind of events, activities, shops and housing will bring people to the Fabric District
People’s ideas for bringing main routes and public spaces to life

“A really enjoyable experience – we are very much looking forward to working with PLACED again in the future, and their contribution to our regeneration project has been invaluable.”

Suzy Jennions - Fabric District CIC

“PLACED are a unique organisation who work for the greater good of the community. Jo has developed a team who can deliver community engagement with flair to develop interest in ideas we are looking to implement.”

Jason Abbott - Fabric District

As part of a wider events and engagement programme for 2018, PLACED delivered two mobile workshops in Ed the Campervan outside the neighbourhood’s new Tapestry Gallery.

We engaged 130 people over two days. We used large visual activity boards and a big 3D map of the area to begin conversations and capture ideas.

People shared memories and ideas about the heritage, character and identity of the area. People talked to us about housing, shops, cleaning and greening, pubs, connectivity, and arts events.

Our findings and recommendations are supporting Fabric District CIC’s plans to develop the area in ways that are meaningful to local people. Our engagement helped get the seal of approval on strategy from Liverpool City Council.