{SECTION_MEA Street Party to Re-imagine Priory Park Road as a Green Space
A street party to re-imagine priory park road as a green space
On Friday 20th September, Kilburn Grange School co-hosted Kilburn Oasis to celebrate World Car-Free Day, and campaign to create a green space.
Together with local residents association Brent Eleven Streets and BPET, the school worked hard to transform Priory Park Road with the help of the artwork of the pupils which showed how they would like it to be. The road, which is where the school and the BPET central office are located, is plagued by heavy traffic, idling vehicles, and air pollution: the transformation took place with the help of turf, plants, games and many health-related stalls which demonstrated how it could be a cleaner, safer and greener area, and how it could provide a liveable space to school pupils, local residents and shoppers.
The local community came together to offer free activities such as live music face painting, juggling, cycle training, scooter and cycle repairs, health checks and electric cargo bike rides with Pedal Me which the Leader of Brent Council, Mr. Muhammed Butt, enjoyed a cycle ride on.
Georgia Gould, MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale and Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said: "Kilburn Oasis is an amazing example of a grassroots community project, epitomised by the leading role played by the students at Kilburn Grange School. I've been so impressed by the students energy and am delighted to support them and the rest of the Oasis team as they look to create a happy, healthy local space for the whole community."
The Brent Eleven Street Association and Kilburn Grange School have long campaigned for the street’s closure to traffic. The Cllr Butt expressed his support, stating: “I have visited Kilburn Grange School three times now and can see the issues with the current street usage. We will work with the school and local community to develop a permanent green, car-free space, incorporating the children’s artwork and vision.”
Helen Khinich, Headteacher, added: “We are delighted to have the backing of both Brent and Camden councils to close the road permanently to traffic. This will ensure our children’s safety and provide a traffic-free space for residents. With 10% of our pupils suffering from asthma, this initiative sends a clear message that clean air is essential.”
Ahmed, a Kilburn Grange School pupil, shared his excitement: “Kilburn Oasis was so much fun. My favourite part was using the Pedal Me bike. I wish the street could be like this every day so my friends and I have a space to play.”
Kilburn Oasis was organized with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via One Kilburn and Camden Council, with support from Brent Council.
A heartfelt thank you to all the organizations and individuals who contributed: Sally Scooters, Mums for Lungs, London Cycling Campaign, Kilburn State of Mind, Brent Health Matters, Vijay Indian Restaurant, and the Kilburn Grange School Parent-Teacher Association.
Kilburn Oasis
