Merton Council is in search of the ideal name for Britain’s first purpose built intergenerational centre and wants Merton residents to help.
The council is calling on local residents to vote for their favourite name out of a list of the best ideas generated from consultation with community groups representing both young and older people in the borough. Locals who vote for their pick of the bunch will also be entered in a draw to win a range of prizes including Wimbledon Theatre tickets, restaurant vouchers and more.
Merton was chosen to be the site of the country’s first purpose built state of the art intergenerational centre following support from the London Development Agency, combined with money from the Department for Children Schools and Families’ SureStart Children’s Centres Programme and Merton Council itself. The aim of the new centre is to provide a range of shared services and facilities under one roof, which will bring together young and old, as individuals, groups and families.
The intergenerational centre opens its doors to the public in early 2010 and will be Merton’s hub for intergenerational activities that aim to break down barriers between the generations.
Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Debbie Shears says: “We’ve had some fantastic ideas come through from our consultation with various local groups, but ultimately we want the residents of Merton to make the final decision about what their new intergenerational centre will be called.
“This is the first centre of its kind in the country and residents now have an opportunity to be a part of the naming process. As well as being at the heart of Merton’s intergenerational activity, we hope the centre will become a hub for the whole community and we want the name to be representative of, and appeal to, Merton residents.”
Denise Burke, Head of Youth and Childcare at the London Development Agency says:
“The public naming of this centre will give the local community greater ownership of facilities which have been created with their needs in mind. The IGC will provide Merton residents with services and facilities for families, groups and individuals of all ages under one roof to support education, training, childcare and transition to employment. This is part of the LDA’s priority to support London’s people and its places.”
Residents have until the 15 January 2010 to vote for their preferred name online at http://www.merton.gov.uk/intergenerational_centre or via email to intergen@merton.gov.uk For any queries phone: 020 8545 3800.
The final list of names that residents can vote for are:
1. Merton Milestones
2. Acacia Intergenerational Centre (IGC)
3. MertonEngAGE
4. iGen
5. Zero to Infinity
6. All Ages
7. The Elms Intergenerational Centre
Notes to editors:
· The intergenerational centre will feature indoor and outdoor spaces for intergenerational activities, horticulture and garden areas, a children’s centre and Merton’s largest adventure playground, which is due to open by summer 2010.
· The London Development Agency (LDA) works to improve the quality of life for all Londoners, drive sustainable economic growth and keep the capital competitive. Its role is to bring together the right people, skills and resources to deliver real results in the long term, responding to the needs and ambitions of communities and businesses. The LDA invests more than £400 million a year to create jobs and develop healthy, sustainable communities. It also supports London as a financial, educational and research centre. It tackles the barriers to employment for certain groups, encourages business and cultural activities and improves infrastructure and the environment. The LDA takes on major projects and difficult issues and is constantly looking for fresh ways of doing things and better ways of achieving sustainable growth. In this way the LDA ensures all Londoners can gain from and contribute to London’s economic success.
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