Orbit has been given the go-ahead to develop a brand new community garden in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Orbit has been given the go-ahead to develop a brand new community garden in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The project, called Growing Together, will utilise currently unused Orbit land on Baker Avenue in Bishopton and is being developed with Stratford District Council (SDC) and Team Springboard, a social enterprise which specialises in horticulture across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Orbit will oversee the work in conjunction with Team Springboard, and SDC and it is hoped the garden will benefit its customers and the wider Barker Avenue community.
Cheryl Flavell, Placemaking and Partnerships Manager for Orbit in Stratford, said: “A community garden is an excellent way of getting people of all ages and backgrounds out of their houses and socialising with their neighbours. There is always something to do in a garden, whatever the time of year, and even if people are not keen gardeners, they can chat and build connections and make new friends, which all help to build a thriving community.”
Funding for the project has been provided as part of a S106 planning agreement which has seen Stratford District Council contribute £34,363.49, with Orbit providing a further £5,636.51.
Craig Bourne, Contracts Manager at Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “The land at Baker Avenue is ideally suited to being developed as a community garden because of its size and location. The District Council is delighted to support Orbit in this project, which will provide a real central, focal point for the local community.”
Kirstie Kelly from Team Springboard added: “The positives associated with community gardens are well documented and include many benefits such as enhanced social engagement, reduced isolation, improved fitness and mental wellbeing and the ability to learn new skills, which could lead to employment.
“Our role here is to facilitate the development of the garden and to help the local community with the design and build of the site specifically to their requirements. So, this project will be community led throughout, with our expertise used in an advisory and supportive role.”
The first stage will be to consult local residents about potential designs and then there will be a plan to move forward and create the garden. There will also be apprentice opportunities available once the garden is created.