Greater Manchester & Cheshire
Community garden blossoms after refurbishment boost
With the help of its supply chain leading North West housing association, Onward Homes, has transformed Eden Gardens, a community allotment in Bury.
Onward, a social landlord with over 35,000 homes across the North West, is working with its supply chain to unlock funding and forge deeper connections within the communities it serves, as part of its commitment to maximise the positive impact it has for its customers.
Most recently, this has culminated in the transformation of Eden Gardens, a community allotment in Bury, where the collaborative efforts of several contractors and partners who donated their time, expertise, and resources to enhance the site’s infrastructure and sustainability has resulted in a thriving green space the local community can be proud of.
Over 450 hours, employees from Onward, DLP, CPD Property Services, David Rowell Ltd, Jewson Partnership Solutions, and Noble Electrical Services contributed to a new pitched roof for rainwater harvesting, improved planters and paths to aid with accessibility, upgraded electrical systems, completed a major clean-up, and donated materials to revitalise Eden Gardens.
At a celebration event last week, Onward and its supply chain were joined by community members and volunteers to mark this special transformation which has generated over £15.7k in social value.
Wayne Warburton, Project Lead and Committee Member at Eden Gardens, commented:
“This refurbishment has transformed not just the physical environment but the spirit of our site. From extensive rubbish removal and improved electrical safety to the installation of a rainwater harvesting system and upgraded paths, every enhancement has been made with long term sustainability and community benefit in mind.
“The support from Onward, their contractors, and materials suppliers has been instrumental in making this possible. These improvements will serve allotment holders, volunteers, and visitors for years to come.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Onward, their dedicated contractors, and suppliers who have made this transformation achievable. Thanks to their collective efforts, Eden Gardens is now better equipped to serve as a vibrant hub for community wellbeing, food growing, and environmental education and we couldn’t be more proud of what’s been achieved together.”
Joanne Danaher, Director of Housing and Home Ownership at Onward, added:
“We believe that thriving communities are built together, and the transformation of Eden Gardens is a shining example of what can be achieved when partners, volunteers and residents unite with a shared vision.”
“Seeing this community space in bloom once again, providing not only fresh produce but also a welcoming space for connection and learning, is exactly what making The Onward Difference is all about. We’re incredibly proud to support projects like this that make a genuine, lasting difference to the communities we serve.”
To learn more about how you can work with Onward to deliver social impact initiatives, or how to get support for your community projects, please email socialinvestment@onward.co.uk or call 0300 555 0600.