Latest news with #Henshall
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Edinburgh losing free and affordable places to hang out
However, with product price hikes every couple of months, rent increases and tourists in every corner, there are not many third spaces where young people can gather freely and affordably. A third place is a social space separate from home and work, where people can gather and interact. Their disappearance is a worldwide phenomenon affecting everyone who cannot afford to pay to stay in cafes, bars, restaurants, gyms, or any sort of class or workshop. In a 2021 article by Angela Henshall for the BBC, she expanded on the importance of third places for our health, happiness, and sense of belonging in our communities. READ MORE: 'Absolutely crazy': Scottish jazz artist scores new film by Hollywood director 'The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed many major shifts in society, but there are two main social effects. First, our discrete work and home spaces immediately collapsed into one another – arguably accelerating the collapse of boundaries that have been eroding for years. And second, we lost all of our third places overnight,' said Henshall. These effects are still present today, especially in Edinburgh, where prices are higher than ever and 'pay-to-play' culture prevails. High rents and expensive cafes: how third spaces are only for the few IN Edinburgh, two drinks at the bar end up costing £15, and even a cup of coffee with friends can end up costing a fiver. Community centres, youth clubs, and libraries are vanishing, and their disappearance is fueling an already existing loneliness epidemic. In a recent article for the Edinburgh Reporter, Charlie Ellis asks 'Does Edinburgh have too many coffee shops?', and highlights their increasing costs and the social polarisation that comes with it. 'When entering such coffee places, there's little doubt that the customers represent a specific slice of Edinburgh. The customers are younger than average, often students and 'knowledge workers', able to take their slim laptops anywhere, as they work in a hybrid or remote fashion,' said Ellis. I interviewed Conor Haining, communications officer for Living Rent in the Edinburgh Leith branch at the time of this interview, about a lack of free and affordable third places in Edinburgh. Tenants' union Living Rent 'Free or affordable third places are vanishing, and others are increasingly becoming 'pay-to-play'. If you cannot go out and afford a coffee every day, then you are excluded. It's the same with other third places like pubs or yoga classes. Pubs are such a massive part of Scottish culture as well, if you cannot pay, you'll be excluded,' said Haining. In addition to product costs, rent prices make it more expensive than ever for young Edinburgh residents to be out of the house. In March 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom in the Lothian region was £1020, or £1321 for a two-bedroom (ONS). READ MORE: 'F***ing slags': Oasis take aim at Edinburgh Council chiefs in first Murrayfield gig Young people between 16 and 34 are the biggest age group in the Scottish private rental sector, and in March 2025, private rental price annual inflation in the Lothian region surpassed both Scotland's and Great Britain's, according to the 2024 Scottish Government Equality Impact Assessment. 'Evidence suggests in some cases this may be because residents in this age group may be unable to afford or access other tenures such as home ownership,' the report states. The impact of tourism: short-term lets and less space IN 2023, Edinburgh represented almost 40% of the total of staying visits in Scotland, and international tourism increased by nearly 30% in the last year, according to Edinburgh City Council. In 2023, domestic and international tourists brought a total spend of £2,321 million to the city, according to Visit Scotland. The negative impacts of tourism are well-known to Living Rent, with their two most recent campaigns relating to the purpose of the new 5% tourist tax towards council flats, and the regulation of short-term lets. 'Short-term lets have an impact on housing availability, especially in Leith. Particularly at The Shore and Ocean Terminal, these places have skyrocketed in short-term lets,' added Haining. These issues, alongside the active housing emergency declared in November 2023 by the Edinburgh City Council, raise questions about the importance of free and affordable third places for residents, free from the tourist crowds. I spoke to Alexander Savin, founder of the Open Parks Edinburgh initiative campaigning for public access to New Town's private gardens. These take up a total of 23 hectares, or 32 full-sized football pitches. 'Recently, in Dean Gardens, police have been surveying the area because youths have been trespassing into the park. They dare each other to jump the fence,' he said. 'If you look at these parks, they are largely underutilised and very much empty. Restaurants are expensive, and cafes close by 5pm. We complain that young people are always on their phones, but if we provide them with space, they will use it.' Not all is lost: building communities in Portobello and Wester Hailes DESPITE the city's struggles to provide free, affordable third places around its city centre, some community spaces are thriving in other parts of Edinburgh. You can head to Portobello's Bellfield community space, an old church hosting workshops, classes, concerts, and community group meetings. This is a space owned by locals through community shares, which act as a long-term investment for a future redevelopment. In Wester Hailes, the opposite side of the city, you can also find the Community Wellbeing Collective, a social art-based organisation with tight links to the community. Founded in 2022, the space was commissioned for the Edinburgh Arts Festival and still provides free events and a community space. Their website reads: 'The Space continues to be a living artwork brought to life each time a human comes to rest, connects, and plays within it. Local members host the space and deliver political events and wellbeing activities which suspend the suffocation of intersecting oppressions, creating space to breathe and the possibility to dream together.'
The Advertiser
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NBA prospect adds firepower to Wildcats' NBL title bid
NBA prospect Ben Henshall has re-signed with the Perth Wildcats in a significant boost to the club's NBL championship hopes. Henshall put himself on NBA scouts' radars during a breakout campaign with the Wildcats last season, earning a nomination for the NBL's most improved player award. The 21-year-old West Australian initially nominated for the NBA draft but withdrew with an eye to bolstering his future prospects. "It is exciting to have Ben back while trusting us to help him chase his goal of the NBA," Wildcats coach John Rillie said. "His shot-making and explosive scoring ability complements the other pieces on our roster." Henshall will play for the Australian Boomers as they seek to claim a third straight FIBA Asia Cup title this month. The 195cm swingman will then turn his attention to helping the Wildcats launch another championship push following the messy departure of club legend Bryce Cotton. "Super excited to re-sign and continue my journey with Perth," Henshall said. "Can't wait to play in front of the Red Army again and chase that championship." The Wildcats have managed to piece together a strong roster despite five-time NBL MVP Cotton leaving to join the Adelaide 36ers. US imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler have returned, while marquee centre Jo Lual-Acuil is a huge addition. Veteran forward Jesse Wagstaff, Sunday Dech and Elijah Pepper are also on the books. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian JackJumpers will likely use their final import spot to recruit a floor general after point guard Sean McDonald tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Boomers' sole Asia Cup warm-up game. The luckless McDonald suffered the injury while driving to the basket in Thursday's 93-87 defeat of University of Colorado on the Gold Coast. It continues a torrid run of injuries for the Victorian, who was set to play a key role this season after foot and ankle injuries derailed his previous two campaigns. "We're absolutely devastated for Sean," JackJumpers general manager of basketball Darren Smith said. "We'll do everything we can to support him in his recovery and keep him engaged in the program. "He'll absolutely still play a key role for us with his incredible basketball IQ, albeit from the sidelines." NBA prospect Ben Henshall has re-signed with the Perth Wildcats in a significant boost to the club's NBL championship hopes. Henshall put himself on NBA scouts' radars during a breakout campaign with the Wildcats last season, earning a nomination for the NBL's most improved player award. The 21-year-old West Australian initially nominated for the NBA draft but withdrew with an eye to bolstering his future prospects. "It is exciting to have Ben back while trusting us to help him chase his goal of the NBA," Wildcats coach John Rillie said. "His shot-making and explosive scoring ability complements the other pieces on our roster." Henshall will play for the Australian Boomers as they seek to claim a third straight FIBA Asia Cup title this month. The 195cm swingman will then turn his attention to helping the Wildcats launch another championship push following the messy departure of club legend Bryce Cotton. "Super excited to re-sign and continue my journey with Perth," Henshall said. "Can't wait to play in front of the Red Army again and chase that championship." The Wildcats have managed to piece together a strong roster despite five-time NBL MVP Cotton leaving to join the Adelaide 36ers. US imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler have returned, while marquee centre Jo Lual-Acuil is a huge addition. Veteran forward Jesse Wagstaff, Sunday Dech and Elijah Pepper are also on the books. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian JackJumpers will likely use their final import spot to recruit a floor general after point guard Sean McDonald tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Boomers' sole Asia Cup warm-up game. The luckless McDonald suffered the injury while driving to the basket in Thursday's 93-87 defeat of University of Colorado on the Gold Coast. It continues a torrid run of injuries for the Victorian, who was set to play a key role this season after foot and ankle injuries derailed his previous two campaigns. "We're absolutely devastated for Sean," JackJumpers general manager of basketball Darren Smith said. "We'll do everything we can to support him in his recovery and keep him engaged in the program. "He'll absolutely still play a key role for us with his incredible basketball IQ, albeit from the sidelines." NBA prospect Ben Henshall has re-signed with the Perth Wildcats in a significant boost to the club's NBL championship hopes. Henshall put himself on NBA scouts' radars during a breakout campaign with the Wildcats last season, earning a nomination for the NBL's most improved player award. The 21-year-old West Australian initially nominated for the NBA draft but withdrew with an eye to bolstering his future prospects. "It is exciting to have Ben back while trusting us to help him chase his goal of the NBA," Wildcats coach John Rillie said. "His shot-making and explosive scoring ability complements the other pieces on our roster." Henshall will play for the Australian Boomers as they seek to claim a third straight FIBA Asia Cup title this month. The 195cm swingman will then turn his attention to helping the Wildcats launch another championship push following the messy departure of club legend Bryce Cotton. "Super excited to re-sign and continue my journey with Perth," Henshall said. "Can't wait to play in front of the Red Army again and chase that championship." The Wildcats have managed to piece together a strong roster despite five-time NBL MVP Cotton leaving to join the Adelaide 36ers. US imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler have returned, while marquee centre Jo Lual-Acuil is a huge addition. Veteran forward Jesse Wagstaff, Sunday Dech and Elijah Pepper are also on the books. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian JackJumpers will likely use their final import spot to recruit a floor general after point guard Sean McDonald tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Boomers' sole Asia Cup warm-up game. The luckless McDonald suffered the injury while driving to the basket in Thursday's 93-87 defeat of University of Colorado on the Gold Coast. It continues a torrid run of injuries for the Victorian, who was set to play a key role this season after foot and ankle injuries derailed his previous two campaigns. "We're absolutely devastated for Sean," JackJumpers general manager of basketball Darren Smith said. "We'll do everything we can to support him in his recovery and keep him engaged in the program. "He'll absolutely still play a key role for us with his incredible basketball IQ, albeit from the sidelines."
Perth Now
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
NBA prospect adds firepower to Wildcats' NBL title bid
NBA prospect Ben Henshall has re-signed with the Perth Wildcats in a significant boost to the club's NBL championship hopes. Henshall put himself on NBA scouts' radars during a breakout campaign with the Wildcats last season, earning a nomination for the NBL's most improved player award. The 21-year-old West Australian initially nominated for the NBA draft but withdrew with an eye to bolstering his future prospects. "It is exciting to have Ben back while trusting us to help him chase his goal of the NBA," Wildcats coach John Rillie said. "His shot-making and explosive scoring ability complements the other pieces on our roster." Henshall will play for the Australian Boomers as they seek to claim a third straight FIBA Asia Cup title this month. The 195cm swingman will then turn his attention to helping the Wildcats launch another championship push following the messy departure of club legend Bryce Cotton. "Super excited to re-sign and continue my journey with Perth," Henshall said. "Can't wait to play in front of the Red Army again and chase that championship." The Wildcats have managed to piece together a strong roster despite five-time NBL MVP Cotton leaving to join the Adelaide 36ers. US imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler have returned, while marquee centre Jo Lual-Acuil is a huge addition. Veteran forward Jesse Wagstaff, Sunday Dech and Elijah Pepper are also on the books.
USA Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Australian guard Ben Henshall to withdraw from 2025 NBA draft
Report: Australian guard Ben Henshall to withdraw from 2025 NBA draft NEWS: Australian guard Ben Henshall will withdraw from the NBA draft, agent Sam Rose told ESPN. The 6'6 combo guard will evaluate NCAA and professional options for next season. Averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists for the Perth Wildcats in the NBL this season. — Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 14, 2025 Australian guard Ben Henshall is reportedly withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft and weighing his options for next season, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Henshall averaged 9.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals on 33.3% shooting from 3-point range in 35 games last season with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL. He scored in double figures 20 times, including a season-high 28 points and six assists on Nov. 1. The 6-foot-6 standout competed in the combine last month, averaging eight points and three rebounds in two scrimmages in Chicago, Illinois. He also completed predraft workouts with the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings. Henshall registered the fastest lane agility time at the combine (10.49 seconds) and was tied for the fifth-fastest in the three-quarter sprint (3.07 seconds). He also shot 48.1% combined (26 of 54) in the 3-point star and corner shooting drills. The 20-year-old was considered a possible second-round pick or undrafted free agent in the draft this year. He is highly touted as a scorer who can finish at all three levels and for his ability to affect games on the defensive end of the court. Henshall is now expected to weigh his options, either at the international level or in the NCAA. He should be a player to watch as a possible draft pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
West Australian
30-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Ben Henshall: Perth Wildcats young gun confirms NBA Draft nomination
The WA presence in this year's NBA Draft pool continues to swell, with Ben Henshall the latest Perth product to confirm his nomination. The 20-year-old guard was listed among the 106 early-entry candidates ahead of June's draft, joining Wildcats teammate Izan Almansa and Perth-raised Florida big man Alex Condon on the list. Henshall travelled to the US in early April to begin the process of going through pre-draft workouts to give potential suitors an up-close look at his talents. The Wildcat averaged 10 points and almost three assists per game while showing an improved defensive effort in a breakout NBL campaign, becoming a key part of Perth's rotation. Earlier this year, Perth general manager Danny Mills said the club was in discussions with Henshall to return to the Wildcats next season even if he gets drafted, in a similar fashion to former Perth small forward Luke Travers. 'We're excited that he's going to get this experience. The hope and the belief is that he'll be back in a Perth uniform come NBL 26,' Mills said. 'He's got such a bright future. There's no rush. So if he or his representatives don't feel there's enough interest for him to secure a guaranteed deal and get drafted, he still has another year of eligibility.' Fellow NBL products Alex Toohey (Sydney), Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane) and Malique Lewis (South East Melbourne) are also in draft contention after securing their places on the early-entry candidate list.
