We demonstrate our environmental values in practice

A green heart in the city

Our track record of land management has been instrumental in the development of an exciting new project for the Trust.

Based on our expertise in providing horticultural and land-based activities at Larchfield Community, Middlesbrough Council invited us to submit a proposal for a new urban garden and community hub in the Middlehaven area just outside the town centre.

We developed a plan featuring polytunnels, raised beds in a dementia-friendly layout, a café and workshop spaces. This drew on our expertise of creating accessible green spaces for people with learning disabilities at our other social farms and gardens.

Our vision for the urban garden and community hub is to breathe new life into this neglected former industrial area. We’re in the early planning stages currently, but the aim of Middlesbrough Council is to regenerate Middlehaven as a ‘digital zone with this site at its green heart.

The new project will include:

Polytunnels - for raising tender seedlings and vegetables that like a warmer climate. A good wet weather option too!

Raised beds - so people with mobility difficulties can get involved in gardening.

Craft workshops - a place to explore creative interests like art and textiles.

Community Allotments - welcoming local gardeners and community groups to share our facilities.

Tool sheds, boot store and drying room.

Café - where people can learn catering and hospitality skills, using ingredients grown on site.

Benefiting the wider community

The regenerated site will be able to offer supported daytime activities for people with learning and other disabilities from Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas. Community allotments will also be available for the benefit of local schools and community groups. At the centre of the site a single storey building will act as a community hub, with a café, shop and craft workshops offering therapeutic support for groups and individuals.

We are proud to have been asked to play a part in greening this area of industrial wasteland, which will bring about both environmental benefits and meaningful opportunities for local people.