A Civic Contract for Westminster
Fiona Clark spoke at a Green Paper consultation on the future direction of public services in Westminster this week.
Westminster City Council recognise that a new approach from local government is needed with the new Localism Act, the anticipated results of the Government’s Resource Review, the impending Olympics and Paralympics and the need for greater economy in public spending. Councillor Colin Barrow, leader of Westminster City Council, introduced the session, explaining how they see the new approach being guided by a new sense of civic responsibility, fairness and opportunity, the idea of a ‘civic contract’, with ‘everyone doing their bit for the good of the city’.
Fiona summarised what Westminster means to David Miller Architects and the benefits that have come with the location and support from council sponsored organisations like the Westminster Business Council (WBC). This has led the practice to volunteer on two local community based projects – offering work placements for The Fitzrovia Youth Action Group that supports young people who live in Westminster, and providing pro-bono architectural services for a flexible community space and affordable commercial kitchen at Maida Hill Place.
