Building futures: How TIQ grows with Sneinton C of E primary school

At its core, successful long-term regeneration should build meaningful connections, opportunities for the community and pride that lasts for generations. That’s why our partnership with Sneinton C of E Primary School, just a short walk from our site, has become one of the most rewarding and meaningful aspects of our journey so far. 

Sowing the seeds 

From the earliest days of our project, we wanted local people to feel that The Island Quarter was their space. Our relationship with Sneinton Primary began when we invited pupils to quite literally leave their mark on the future of Nottingham through each creating a handprint clay tile. 

This simple idea was about helping children see themselves as part of the story as they grow alongside the site. The pupils also planted wildflower seeds and buried a time capsule on site, creating a living legacy within the landscape we’re building. 

Learning and opportunity  

Since then, our relationship has blossomed. We’ve supported through fundraising and direct contributions – including £1,500 to help fund a new pupil leadership room and earlier, the donation of iPads to support learning during the pandemic. 

For the past two years we’ve marked our connection with hosting the school’s annual Christmas pilgrimage at Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake – a much-loved event that sees children and teachers journey from the school to our site to celebrate the nativity and get the chance to perform songs together.   

Hearing the pupils perform on our stage, encouraged by their teachers and support staff, reminded us on the importance of creating moments of joy, pride and belonging – the kind of experiences that bring new places to life. 

Celebrating local voices 

We’ve also welcomed pupils to share their own poetry inspired by their vision of The Island Quarter 20 years from now. The children proudly read poems on the Binks Yard stage imagining what the area could become – vibrant, inclusive, full of life. 

This opportunity reflects how Binks Yard is becoming more than a venue but a public space where Nottingham’s voices can be heard. By hosting events like these, we hope to show young people that their ideas and creativity are central to the city’s story. 

Why partnerships like this matter 

Urban regeneration only succeeds when it is rooted in trust and shared purpose. Working with Sneinton Primary gives us the chance to engage directly with the next generation, to listen and learn, and to ensure our development reflects the community around it.   

For us, this partnership demonstrates how regeneration can deliver real social value, supporting education, encouraging creativity, and creating spaces that feel welcoming and inclusive. Every poem written, every handprint made and every Christmas song sung at Binks Yard has already helped to build a living connection between The Island Quarter and the city we’re proud to be part of.