Community Hubs & Green Spaces
Green spaces projects are about residents gathering together to grow food, creating structures, and enjoying the great outdoors. The Resident Involvement team are pleased to report exciting green spaces projects across our communities.
Community Allotment (Walton)
This project has been up and running since 2015 with support from Walton Charity and the hard work of the project coordinator, local residents and local organisations.
The project has been supported by so many local people - to name a few...
- the sunflowers were planted by year 3 children at Grovelands Primary School
- the carved sign was made with help from local artist Ruth Wheeler
- the fencing and chairs were made by Men in Sheds:
- the bicycle wheels were donated by The Surrey Bike Project and East St Cycles (Walton).
We’re delighted to say that a mosaic piece has also been made through workshops supporting and developing the artistic creativity of the project. A PA Housing resident - who is an artist specialising in mosaics – was commissioned to support with the 7 week project. 10 residents attended and all - but one – were doing mosaics for the first time. The group couldn’t believe how quickly the mosaic piece took shape. The community allotment was shortlisted for the TPAS South Region Awards Final in 2018 and in 2017 won a silver medal at the Hampton Court Flower Show. If you're interested in finding out more or getting involved feel free to contact the Resident Involvement team or Karen, project coordinator at our partner Walton Charity
The Orchard Project (Landon Park)
Since 2016 we have had support from The Orchard Project, partly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
We’ve been able to identify and label a small number of the Victorian apple trees. We’ve also had two community days on site to make fresh apple juice on site. With much enjoyment numerous residents, including children, have tried out the fruit crusher and apple press as well as enjoyed the juice samples.
The Allotment (Hampton)
The Fulmer Close Residents’ Association took on a once derelict allotment and are producing many fruit and veg ranging from cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuces, spring onions and raspberries. The association and Neighbourhood Coordinator identified a need to address the social isolation of older people here.
Hedgehog Street (Walton)
A once derelict site on St John’s estate has been revived! In the autumn of 2018 we were generously supported by Walton Charity and their community allotment volunteers, Caterpillars Preschool and Men in Sheds to transform the site, which now has bird boxes, caterpillars on the wall, a bug hotel, young trees, and much more.
Island Farm Road (Molesey)
The Island Farm is a project aims to bring local people together by improving a local space, creating an attractive park and supporting healthy living. The neglected land has been underused for many years, but local feedback suggests it has potential to become a well used, attractive community space.
We currently have three community hubs based on our estates, which are used by various local organisations for local projects.
- Thames View House (Walton) is host to Thames View Preschool. If your children are aged 2, 3 and 4 years old this preschool offers FREE education and childcare.
- Fulmer Close Hub (Hampton) runs monthly housing surgeries, kids centre activities, and Resident Association meetings and events: 44 Fulmer Close, TW12 3YJ.
- Cromwell Community Centre (Walton) runs a pre-school, community café and youth club plus it’s available to hire at weekends by local residents: St Johns Drive, KT12 3NH. Contact 01932 235962.
- Home-Start Elmbridge runs a virtual parent support café in the KT12 postcode area for families with children who are 5 to 11 years old.