What would YOU do with Wolverhampton's empty spaces? Brilliant and wacky designs go on show
Bold, brilliant and wacky designs to transform empty spaces in Wolverhampton have been created as part of a public architecture competition.
From new community centres to amusement parks - the creative ideas from the amateur architects would turn city eyesores into something to be proud of.
Organised by the Wolverhampton & District Society of Architects, the competition saw 21 entries from community groups and students.
Now in its second year, Forgotten Spaces has become an important annual showcase of ideas to improve the city.
Designs such as the creation of a new 'blimp' community centre on the former Goodyear tyre factory site in Stafford Road by Alexander Johnson have a symbolic and purposeful use.
He proposes creating an upright version of the iconic Goodyear blimp to house a community centre which would be connected to the former clock tower - now the only building left on the site.
"I propose a new structure that can be a new focal point for the community and positively shape how it looks and works into the future," he said.
All the entries were judged by Anthony Clerici, vice president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Gavin Orton, RIBA West Midlands chairman and Wolverhampton City Councillor's Elias Mattu.
The community prize went to Elliot Lord and Helen Barker for their design of a new park at derelict land off Horseley Fields.
The special Nick Woodhams Award, which was voted for by the public who visited an exhibition in Queen Square, was presented to Costas Georghiou who proposed a World Culture Fair to be held on a car park between Cleveland Street and Temple Street.
The student winner was Maariayd Mahmood who proposes turning the Peel Centre site at Dunstall Hill which could be a racetrack in spring, an ice rink in winter, a theme park in summer and drive in cinema during the autumn.
The overall winner was Kylan Dildhand who designed a sculpture of hand reach over a bench near Wolverhampton train station. Mr Dildhand was inspired by a homeless man he regularly sees on a bench at the station. His design aims to draw attention to the homeless man. The fingers of the sculpture would be moveable to reflect different seasons and emotions.
* To see more of the designs, see Friday's Express & Star
