Description
The project addresses the issue of urban renewal, identifying and revitalizing run-down and blighted areas in Sofia City, Poduyane District in particular. The project aims at mapping potential places for local community centres for exchange of information, services and goods. First, a multidisciplinary team of experts and volunteers will be set up to “scan” the neighbourhood, identify up to 100 potential locations, select up to 3 for a future place of exchange. Second, the stakeholders of the potential location will be identified and involved in the development of the plan for a community centre. Finally, public support and participation will be sought via a public forum held. The project will benefit the local community, the young people and NGOs in it. The three partners will contribute by sharing experience, strengthening the applicant’s capacity, coordinating the work of the volunteers and facilitating the identification of the relevant stakeholders.
Summary of project results
The project was necessary because it was involved in a timely manner in the drafting of the Municipal Plan for development of Sofia City Municipality 2014-2020. The project aimed at proposing a model facilitating local authorities by promoting citizen activity in the urban renewal policies and practices via the bottom-top approach for building long-term partnerships and by involving young people. The project focused on scanning places in need and developing community approach in urban renewal. The following events were organized: a campaign to attract volunteers, meetings to brief them, workshops to raise their knowledge and skills on urban renewal issues. Seven renewal areas were discussed in three working groups at the first public forum entitled From Places in Need to Places of Exchange and various ideas and suggestions were gathered for each area providing for a good foundation to prepare terms of reference or follow-up actions. Efforts were made to continue the work and involve in the initiative active citizens and the institutions. The operational project activities carried out marked the beginning of partnership between the Public Advisory Council of Poduyane District, Div Rozhkov and Transformatori Associations and other organizations represented in the Council. The experience shared by our Serbian partners and FOR A Foundation was very valuable as they are organizations with extensive experience in civic initiatives. For more information and review of the project outcomes and outputs, see:
http://smenmap.bg/
Summary of bilateral results