YOUTH charity Rise:61 has celebrated the grand reopening of its community garden in Bemerton Heath after a £70,800 transformation.
The redevelopment, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and championed by local residents, has created an accessible, year-round green space on Gainsborough Close in the heart of the estate. It officially re-opened on May 13.
The project, which took place over February and March, includes new landscaping, an accessible path and patio areas.
Rise:61 held a celebration ceremony earlier this month (Image: Rise:61) This upgrade builds upon years of dedication from young people and the volunteers who initially cultivated the garden.
Robin Imeson, director of Rise:61, who applied for the grant, said: “This project has been such a boost to our vision of a better Bemerton for all, as now everyone can access and enjoy our community garden.
“It’s great to see the hard work of our young people and local volunteers being built upon to create a space where our community and its bird and insect life can thrive together.”
The community’s response to the transformation has been positive.
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One local, Lynn, said: “I so love, love, love this. What an amazing project that continues to grow and develop for the people by the people.
“We need more and more of this in the world.
“It’d be a much better place, rather than relying on the big government or companies to do it for us.”
Youngster Theo simply called it “very cool and a big upgrade”.
In February, Rise:61 was granted planning permission to build a new youth hub on a disused car park on Gainsborough Close.
The building will be used as an activities hub, offer an after-school hangout spot and create a space for art, music and drama.
How the garden looked before the project (Image: Rise:61)
The Christian charity has thanked Salisbury Landscaping Solutions, Paul Stevens Architecture, Wiltshire Council, local councillors, and the Community Panel for invaluable contributions to the community garden project.
Camilla Ritchie, chair of the Wiltshire Gardens Trust, spoke at the opening party earlier this month about the importance of gardens and green spaces and Dave McNee, pastor of local congregation Grace Church, said a prayer of blessing on the space.
For more information, visit www.rise61.org/what-we-do/community-garden