New name for former City Farm site
Monday 19 December 2011
Three pupils from a Coventry primary school have won a competition to think of a name and logo for a new community education, training and play facility in the city.
Vanishing Barriers, the not-for-profit charity that runs the former City Farm site in Hillfields, set the challenge to pupils at neighbouring St Mary and St Benedict RC Primary School.
After receiving scores of entries, judges from the charity and partners Coventry City Council decided on three winners.
Ten-year-old Rayna Mulligan came up with the new name Hill Fields Hub. The logo is based on a design by 10-year-old Ugonna Okoro, while 10-year-old Michelle Montemayor came up with the style of writing for the name.
The new name for the facility completes a transformation for the site when City Farm closed in April 2008.
Vanishing Barriers deliver construction and horticulture training opportunities on site and works in partnership with Motorvate UK to offer road user driving, motorcycle and push-bike training packages.
Adults with learning disabilities are also on site as part of a horticulture project.
A green gym, community gardens and a play area for young people are also available at the Hill Fields Hub, at the Clarence Road site.
Local ward councillor Jim O'Boyle (Labour, St Michaels) is delighted with the significant milestone of renaming the facility.
He said: "Since City Farm closed I have been anxious to bring the site back into use for the benefit of the local community.
"People living locally will have access to the improved facilities that will widen learning, leisure and employment options by offering ways to access accredited training.
"Vanishing Barriers have been operating from the site for a while now and the new name will make a real difference."
Phil Moodie, Director of Vanishing Barriers, added: "I think the name is very good as it reflects the diverse nature of the training and facilities that we can provide.
"We have been up and running for a year or so now and we already have had the first set of young people to gain qualifications using our services so we are already starting to make a difference."
