Higgins and A2Dominion support Dig Hanwell Creating a new community garden
Posted 20/09/2021
An unused site in Hanwell is being transformed into a community group, thanks to Cultivate London and its supporters. Situated next to a special needs respite centre and previously used by Ealing Mencap, the area is being brought back to life to establish a Horticultural Hub which will be used by community groups offering a programme of activities that address mental health, wellbeing and social isolation.
Through its scheme at Boston Road in Hanwell, West London Higgins Partnerships and A2Dominion have supported the project and Cultivate London by donating much needed garden equipment including water butts, gloves, safety goggles and seed stock to help the project get off the ground.
Amy Ross, Head of Social Value at Higgins Partnerships comments, “The work that Cultivate London does in local communities through horticulture and green spaces is fantastic and we are delighted to be able to provide support to the Dig Hanwell project. As well as providing an amazing space for the residents of Hanwell, the project will also offer a programme of weekly learning for those interested in working in the field of horticulture to help them build job ready skills. We can’t wait to see it all finished.”
Auberon Bayley CEO of Cultivate London said, “Cultivate London are really pleased to receive contributions from local partners Higgins and A2 Dominion. We look forward to kitting out our first volunteer groups at DIG community garden in Hanwell with the donations. The large water butts are particularly help towards our sustainability plan.”
Doreen Wright, Commercial Director (Programme & Compliance), A2Dominion, said: “This project is a brilliant example of how unused urban spaces can be transformed into something that brings great benefits to the community.
“As a housing provider with a social purpose, we’re proud to support Cultivate London in this vital work and can’t wait to see the programme of activities they have for people in the surrounding area get off the ground.”
Cultivate London has secured the community site through funding and very generous grants from the Mayor of London’s Make London funding initiative, Ealing Council’s Future Ealing fund and William Hobbayne charity which focuses on local needs in the Hanwell area, as well as a number of pledges from individuals and local residents.
The horticultural hub will be used by a cross section of residents and groups, providing a full calendar of events encouraging community interaction, social inclusion, a sense of civic pride and a growing knowledge in a greener cleaner local area. The organically produced food will be shared by the participants and surplus will be offered to food banks.
A2Dominion and Higgins are developing Boston Road in Hanwell, through a joint venture partnership, to deliver 360 high quality studio, one, two and three bedroom homes. 234 of the homes will private sale while 72 will be for affordable rent and 54 Shared Ownership.
The project will also enhance the existing residential area by providing shops, cafés and restaurants as part of the new village square situated just an eight minute walk from the Elizabeth’s Line’s Hanwell Station.
The properties have been designed in three blocks, featuring contemporary soft brickwork, which will contrast against the dark frames of the shop frontages and successfully complete the ‘village square’ design.
Generous amenity spaces such as garden terraces, play space for children and rooftop gardens will be incorporated throughout the scheme and allow residents to view the entire development as their home, rather than just their apartments.
The project has been designed by Assael Architects and the delivery architect is Fourpoint Architects.