Light Fantastic

Music, dance, screenings and performances captured more than 500 residents imagination at Peabody’s Light Fantastic event on Saturday night in the finale of their Garden of Dreams summer tour.

Based along the A Bridge off Belvedere Road used by hundreds of pedestrians every day to make their way under the elevated roundabout between north and south Thamesmead. Peabody’s Thamesmead Strategy Team engaged with residents on a number of things including what they love about Thamesmead and what they would like to see change in the future.

Their findings, along with other invaluable insight and knowledge the team has received from residents will help to form Peabody’s Thamesmead Futures Plan which will be published in early 2015.

Peabody’s Thamesmead Strategy Team’s Engagement and Programme Manager, Ellen Halstead said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come together and celebrate Thamesmead. Their insight and knowledge will help us make realistic and achievable plans for how we help improve the area as we move forward. ”

Eleanor Barrett, Director, The Brick Box said: “It was such a pleasure to meet so many local people who were full of ideas and enthusiasm for this under used space. It was inspiring to see such a diverse mix of people coming together to celebrate their community with so much positive energy. The night really was a magical experience.”

Thamesmead resident, Michelle Payne said: “This event has been brilliant and is a great way of bringing the community together. I learnt a lot about some of the changes Peabody are planning for the future of Thamesmead.”

Thamesmead resident, Jackie Gray said: “I have lived in Thamesmead for 42 years. I think any redevelopment is good for the area. We are all really enjoying this event.”

Louise Micalef said:  “This event is the best one put on over the summer. I have been told about lots of different things happening locally including improvements to housing and the area in general.”