SPUD

SPUD is the name of a new network of architectural youth groups across southern Hampshire. The first project was set up in Eastleigh, Portsmouth and Southampton and since then more SPUD projects have been run in Andover and SPUD 5x5 is running with groups of students in Romsey, Portsmouth, Swanmore, Eastleigh and Bordon and Whitehill.  Each group consists of young people aged 14-19 years old who are passionate about the built environment and interested in helping influence the future of their towns and cities. The groups each focus on a specific design project or built environment topic and work with built environment professionals and organisations such as Planning Aid and their local authority as well as with other groups.  Their aim is to develop concept designs for their chosen areas.

The following provides a brief overview of each of the initial SPUD groups; more information can be found on each group at: www.spudgroup.org.uk

Southampton:

The Southampton SPUD launched in February 2010. There are already 18 members of the group, with the young people coming from schools and colleges across Southampton. All the students are working on ideas to regenerate and reconnect the areas of Southampton between Ocean Village, Oxford Street, Holyrood Estate and the Bargate.  This an ambtious and challenging project.  The students are working alongside LHC Architects at Ocean Village and have already had meetings with masterplanners Jan Gehl Architects and the Southampton City Council design team.

Portsmouth:

The Portsmouth SPUD group launched in February 2010. 10 students from across Portsmouth have joined the group and are all working on ideas to regenerate the area around Tipner to the North of the City.  Portsmouth students are working with Portsmouth City Council Architects and Deer Park Alpha Architects.

Eastleigh:

The Eastleigh SPUD group will be focusing on the Eastleigh Railway Station forecourt and the crossing point into the town centre.  The railway station is a listed building and the original station on this location dates back to 1839.  Eastleigh grew in importance at the end of the 1800's following the decision to build a wagon and carriage works 1884, followed by a locomotive works in 1909.  The railway has played a very significant role in Eastleigh's development and forms an important part of the towns history.

The SPUD group will look at ideas for redesigning the area directly in front of the station and the crossing points into the town.  This is an important public area and a significant gateway point into the town.  Eastleigh Borough Council are also looking at this area currently, therefore the group will be linking closely with them and sharing their ideas.  The group have already met with the Head of Planning and Regeneration for the council.

 More information on the SPUD 5x5 project can be found at: www.spud5x5.org.uk

For further details on future SPUD projects, or if you would like to run one at your school in your area, contact Mark Drury on mark@spudgroup.org.uk