Collaboration for Sustainability

TheNCF is participating in the Collaboration for Sustainability project, a funding initiative that was applied for (and funded) by ACT (Accelerating Change Together) on behalf of TheNCF and other co-project participating groups. ACT is a social enterprise of architects, urbanists and policy specialists based in town, working to accelerate the Green Transition through impact architecture, resilient urbanism, and sustainable community development. More importantly they’re in thencf 😉.

Why This Matters

This project is especially important for us as we need a published masterplan that can be shared with local media and the public in general to demonstrate our vision and secure our future at 5 Pearse Street.

While we are not a commercial entity, nor will we ever be, we do need to maintain some sort of public profile. Having a published masterplan for the building and grounds is one way we can stay in the public eye a little bit. We would also aim to have the plan funded at some point, or parts of it at least.

The danger is otherwise decision makers may not be aware of the great work our members are doing and the value for the community. Recently the shelved idea for another car-park on this land bank was mooted again by local councillors - we need to be proactive about this.

Project Overview

The Collaboration for Sustainability project seeks to help community organizations develop sustainable plans for their spaces and operations. Through this initiative, we will work with ACT to create a comprehensive masterplan that outlines our vision for the future of 5 Pearse Street, aligning with principles of sustainable development and community resilience.

Aerial view of 5 Pearse Street site Aerial view of the site at 5 Pearse Street. TheNCF currently occupies the upstairs, with the ground floor and other areas unoccupied.

Our Goals

Through this masterplanning process, we would aim to incorporate some of our outstanding aims:

  • Artist Studio Space: Reuse the abandoned downstairs of our current building as shared artist studio space
  • Garden, Event & Exhibition Space: Develop the back garden / yard as event and exhibition space while maintaining urban habitats
  • Public Access: Create public access to that space from both sides
  • Accessibility: Ensure accessible entry onto the premises

Ground floor shop unit - front area Ground floor shop unit, front area, facing out

Ground floor shop unit - front area Ground floor shop unit, front area, facing back

Get Involved

ACT is conducting a consultation to gather input from our community. You can send your thoughts on the matter directly to Rebecca O'Malley, Project Lead, ACT. Email: rebecca.omalley@act-studio.com

We will also be hosting an in-person workshop towards the end of January (date TBC) to further develop the masterplan together.

Contact

For questions about this project, please contact us at the info email or you can contact Rebecca directly.