Rose blooms with residents choosing mural topics

Monday September 26, 2011

Painting the mural at new Fulham Court estate centre

The doors are set to open at a brand new children's and community centre in Fulham this autumn.

Residents chose the name Tudor Rose for the two-storey centre, which replaces an ageing and unsuitable temporary building in the Fulham Court estate.

The Tudor Rose combines a ground-floor children's centre for families with children under five and a first-floor community centre that could host a wide range of community activities.

Youngsters made their mark on the building by helping local artist Ben Tranchell paint its spectacular mural.

People living in Fulham Court and Barclay Close have been closely involved with the project for more than 18 months.

A residents' steering group has come together to give everyone living nearby a voice during the building's construction, and beyond.

Residents will be able to help suggest what kind of activities the centre will offer, but the focus will be on getting young children prepared to start school, mother and toddler sessions, healthy eating classes and job advice.

The Tudor Rose Centre uses some of the most advanced environmentally friendly technology.

Solar panels on the roof will turn sunlight into electricity to help run the centre.

It will also have a green roof planted with low-maintenance shrubs as well as a green plant-covered 'living wall'.

Residents came up with lots of ideas for artist Ben Tranchell and chose the design for the following reasons:

• The swans are a sign the centre is a place of hope for future generations, and there are two of them to show that support and partnership is needed.
• The rainbow represents everyone on the estate.
• The grass recalls that the area has long been known for nurseries and planting.