The idea
The garden gets over 400 visitors every lunchtime during the summer. We also provide a valuable habitat for a number of species, such as frogs and stag beetles, not found elsewhere in Soho or Covent Garden. We want to accommodate both more effectively in the future.
We want to remove rubble to build new spaces for visitors to sit in and for training, volunteering and social events to held. We want to create new habitat areas to encourage different species. We also want to build new seats, rebuild walls for raised beds and reinstate accessible paving, so as many people as possible can enjoy the gardens.
Part of this programme is to facilitate and train local volunteers to execute most of the works. The garden has a great track record in delivering volunteer sessions - but after being closed for a year, we need to invest in new tools and recruitment to reinvigorate our workgroups.
What we'll deliver
- Deliver volunteer training and work sessions
- Reinstate accessible paving
- Re-landscape the garden
- Add more seating for visitors
- Create new habitats
- Rebuild retaining walls
Why it's a great idea
Our garden is located in a very diverse part of London. Over 47% of local residents were born outside the UK. We also welcome many local workers and tourists from all around the world. Our project will benefits huge numbers of visits and give them a great impression of this part of London. It will also make it easier for people to access the garden.
Our project will bring local people together and give them the chance to learn new skills and meet new people and their neighbours. It will create habitats that encourage greater bio-diversity in the city.
Steps to get it done
- Creation of new seating
- Delivery of new habitats
- Reinstatement of accessible paving
- Completion of re-landscaping
- Completion of retaining walls
The development of the new landscaping in front of the Phoenix building will further our financial sustainability by maximising available garden space at fundraising events.
