A GIANT 'bubble' inflated to accommodate up to 120 welcomed people from across Bootle.

The Bubble - real name the kitchenmonument - was stationed at Carolina Wharf for a day of activities, free food, and talks about the future of the housing market renewal area of Bootle and South Sefton.

The kitchenmonument is an innovative piece of design from German architects raumlaborberlin and plastique fantastique. For its first visit to the UK, it is being used to host The Art for Places Project between June 8 and 12 in various locations in South Sefton.

Yesterday's event was opened by the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Paul Tweed, and attended by families from around the local area.

The project is a unique partnership between housing market renewal pathfinder, New Heartlands, Liverpool Biennial, Arts Council England North West, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral Council and the Vicinity, Plus and Riverside housing associations.

Paul Kelly, Housing Market Renewal Public Realm Project manager for Liverpool Biennial, said: "The aim of the programme is to explore ways we can integrate art into regeneration areas as part of the housing market renewal programme. Areas like South Sefton are experiencing times of great change - not only in the way they look, but the way they feel, the way they see themselves. Art is a key way to help people re-examine their neighbourhoods.

"The kitchenmonument is a striking piece of temporary architecture. People had never have seen anything like it before. The day went extremely well, with fantastic weather as well, we were delighted."

Local resident May Johnson, 79, said: "I think it was great - places like this haven't been used well for a while, it was nice to see so many people here and enjoy something a bit different."
One of the main issues being looked at will be the area's future, and some of its key assets - such as the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and its potential. As well as debates about the future of the community, there will also be opportunities for local people to see plans for the iconic Johnsons Building on Stanley Road, Bootle; sing with Sefton OPERA, sample tai-chi and take part in school workshops.

Ian Maher, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and NewHeartlands Board Member, said: "Having the first UK visit of the kitchenmonument is thrilling for all of us, and will hopefully attract hundreds of people to come along and see what is going on in the housing market renewal areas, and what role they can play in it."

The kitchenmonument comes 'flatpacked' in a specially made box or monument. The box unfolds, opening its sides to reveal the structure, which is then inflated to 20m long. It has been used in various European cities as a venue for events relating to the arts and urban regeneration.

Its visit to Merseyside began on Sunday June 8 at Carolina Wharf, Carolina Street, in Bootle, from 11am to 4.30pm. It was at the Johnsons Building, Stanley Road on June 9 between 10.30 and 7pm; North Park, Stanley Road between 10.30 and 4pm on June 10; at Bowersdale Park, Seaforth between 10.30 and 8pm on June 11 and Staley Street off Hawthorne Road between 1pm and 10pm on June 12.