This week, residents on two very different streets in Chorlton have nominated themselves to be part of an extended ‘open street’ trial, where roads will be closed to through traffic for 3 full days and open for people to re-imagine what is possible on their streets.

 

The project has been coordinated by Our Streets Chorlton, a project funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund and aims to engage the people of Chorlton to find ways to reduce carbon emissions and to drive less. 

Community-Led Open Streets

The team have worked with residents on both streets to gain support from the communities on the street and support the development of a programme of activities that can make the best ‘alternative’ use of the streets whilst traffic is not a concern. 

 

A first for Manchester, the three day trial supports a community-led approach and it will be unmanned for the 72 hour duration. Previously only one day ‘play street’ permits have been granted to communities and have required marshalls at the ends of roads. For this trial, only barriers and road closure signage will be used.

Re-imagining Burrows Avenue and Westfield Road For 3 Days

Residents are encouraged to come out and help transform the streetscape as their roads temporarily become open for play, socialising, conversations about climate change and re-imagining a life that is less dependent on cars to get about.

 

One of the questions that residents are asked to consider on the two streets will be ‘What would you need in Chorlton to be able to drive less?’ 

 

Burrows Avenue and Westfield Road ‘Open Streets’ Showcase – Everyone Welcome!

Burrows Avenue including Emery Avenue will be the first of the two, three dayer ‘Open Street’ trial on Monday the 27th of September until Wednesday the 29th of September followed by Westfield Road onThursday the 30th of September until Saturday the 2nd of October. 

 

Everyone is welcome to come along and see what’s happening on the street. From 3pm until 7pm each day, there will be on street activities to get neighbours outside, including e-bike e-cargo bike trials, e-bike Lightning talks with company Karshare, climate officers chatting about TfGM Active Travel team, Planter building with Groundworks and Manchester City Council’s new climate change officers, talking about ways to deliver action on climate change together. 

 

What’s On At Burrows Ave Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?

Some of the activities you can get involved on the street from 3pm are:

Games on the Street! (Monday)

Every outside toy and game you can think of will be down on the street, ready for some after school fun.

Build Your Own Planter (Monday)

The team at Groundwork GM will be down, helping young people build their own objects and furniture for the garden.

Nature-Based Activities (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)

Debbie from Southway Housing will be down to lead on some nature-based activities.

Bike Maintenance (Tuesday)

Cera Cycloan will be out giving your bikes a bit of TLC. Bring them along!

Smoothie Bike (Tuesday)

Get yourself a free smoothie with the Manchester City Council neighbourhood team!

E-bike/cargo bike trials

Come and have a go on some e-bikes!

Lightning Talks (Tuesday)

Karshare, MCC, Open Data and other interesting organisations will be down to host 10 minute lightning talks on the alternatives to the car and local climate action.

Nature Activities (Wednesday)

Come down to build your own bug houses and other little creations for the garden.

 

What’s on at Westfield Road – Thursday, Friday & Saturday?

Some of the activities you can get involved on the street from 3pm are:

Cargo and e-Bike Test Runs (Thursday)

Pop outside on the first day of the Open Street to test run a cargo bike up and down the road!

Bike Maintenance (Friday)

Cera Cycloan will be out giving your bikes a bit of TLC.

Bring them along!

Climate Action ‘Lightning Talks’ (Friday)

Cllr Eve Holt, Karshare, Manchester City Council, TfGM Active Travel Team, Groundwork, In Our Nature and more!

10 minute ‘lightning talks from experts on topics such as ‘the alternatives to a car…’

Westfield Road Climate Conversation – A Call To Action/Commitment for Cop26 (Friday)

Our Streets Chorlton will facilitate a hyper-local ideas session on what your street can ask and can do to act on climate change in the lead up to Cop26 in Glasgow!

Brew and A Climate Chew – Hot Drinks and Snacks from 3pm (Friday)

Enjoy some hot drinks with the Our Streets team to talk about ways to reduce car use and carbon emissions locally.

The Great Get Together – Curry, Cake and Westfield Road Flea Market! (Saturday)

On the final day of the Open Street trial, it’s the street’s turn to get their organiser hats on and enjoy the people friendly space, invite the surrounding neighbourhood and imagine what is possible for the future. Join for snacks, music, hot drinks and chats starting at 3:30pm!