An animated regeneration screened at the University

A short animated film that displays a proposed regeneration of the former Blind School site on Stockton Road, Middlesbrough will be screened at the University of Teesside next week. The screening, part of a wider celebration of the achievements of young people from West Middlesbrough, will take place on Monday 16 December at 7.30pm, in the Centuria Building, Victoria Road, Middlesbrough. The screening is by invitation only.

The five-minute film ‘Friends of Carter Park’ is a collaboration between seven young people and ten older people, all from Middlesbrough. Tees Film, the New Deal for Communities, and the Youth Inclusion Project (YIP), all support the film.

It uses stop-action techniques similar to those employed by Oscar-winning animator Nick Park, whose work includes the popular Wallace and Gromit series. Those involved in the making of the film have suggested that the former Blind School site be regenerated through the establishment of ‘Carter Park’, as part of a wider regeneration project.

Paul R Smith, from the University’s School of Health & Social Care is researching the effectiveness of the YIP programme. He said: “The project aims to demonstrate that young people and adults can work together positively to regenerate their community.” It is hoped that the film will promote the regeneration project by attracting further funding. Whilst the launch is by invitation only it is hoped that further showings, in West Middlesbrough, will take place.

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