Q. "Darius why are you part of the team trying to reuse the whole leisure centre?".
A. "I enjoy it". My passion is to build community especially in my neighbourhood. This project could be an ideal way to draw parents together to collaborate on a project that will benefit our children.
I like designing things, making broken things work, making something from nothing. Like the Bonnyrigg community willow bed. That's why I’m a permaculture designer.
When I heard Bonnyrigg Leisure centre was scheduled for demolition, my heart sank at the thought of wasting a decent building. Ok, it needs 21k of gutter repairs and a makeover. But compared to what its worth to the community as an indoor play area, its a price worth paying.
So as a designer I found myself dreaming about what could be done. The more I dreamt, the more it gripped me. I saw how much good it could do for parents and young children. Actually, it could do so much good for me and my family.
This could be a place where many peoples dreams could be fulfilled. A place where parents could have their own needs met for friendship and peace. It could work because we are doing it for our own families and community.
When I put my business hat on and looked at the rough figures, they stacked up! There was even a potential surplus.
So my wife and I decided to pause our business plans. To see if there were other people who would take part in making this a parents club (charity). A place of collaboration and cooperation. Designed to make the life of parents and 0-7yr olds even better.
Why am I doing this? It gives me joy and I need community.
Darius
A. "I enjoy it". My passion is to build community especially in my neighbourhood. This project could be an ideal way to draw parents together to collaborate on a project that will benefit our children.
I like designing things, making broken things work, making something from nothing. Like the Bonnyrigg community willow bed. That's why I’m a permaculture designer.
When I heard Bonnyrigg Leisure centre was scheduled for demolition, my heart sank at the thought of wasting a decent building. Ok, it needs 21k of gutter repairs and a makeover. But compared to what its worth to the community as an indoor play area, its a price worth paying.
So as a designer I found myself dreaming about what could be done. The more I dreamt, the more it gripped me. I saw how much good it could do for parents and young children. Actually, it could do so much good for me and my family.
This could be a place where many peoples dreams could be fulfilled. A place where parents could have their own needs met for friendship and peace. It could work because we are doing it for our own families and community.
When I put my business hat on and looked at the rough figures, they stacked up! There was even a potential surplus.
So my wife and I decided to pause our business plans. To see if there were other people who would take part in making this a parents club (charity). A place of collaboration and cooperation. Designed to make the life of parents and 0-7yr olds even better.
Why am I doing this? It gives me joy and I need community.
Darius