Newcastle charity opens community garden thanks to “unique” city fund

A Newcastle community garden has been opened by a charity working with residents to improve their quality of life and place of living.

The Pendower Good Neighbour Project has turned a disused space into a community garden for residents in the west end of Newcastle thanks to the support of the Home Group’s city fund.

Aiming to help residents and community groups across Newcastle, the Project is brought together by a combination of donations, construction, tradespeople, landscaping, skills development, volunteering, and mentoring.

Ruth Taylor, senior project worker at Pendower Good Neighbour Project, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the work that’s been done to improve our garden. We would never have had the resources or skills to do this ourselves.

“It gives us a fantastic area where children can play safely and additional space for us to hold community events. Lots of people commented at the event about how amazing it is and how magical it looked with all the lovely Christmas lights.”

Nusheen Hussain, executive director of business development at Home Group, said: “I was delighted to be asked to officially open the garden, by Pendower Good Neighbour Project and Upstart Enterprise CIC, which will provide an enjoyable and safe space for the local community.

“The charity does fantastic work for the estate, such as working with children and young people, opening up skills and training opportunities, and providing free and low-cost food.

“Their passion and commitment is why everyone agreed they should be included in the fund and we hope the whole community benefits from the garden for years to come.”

Craig Madge, project manager for BAM, said: “It’s important to take the chance to support local people when you have that opportunity. BAM, together with our development partner Ask, is delighted to provide this great outdoors space along with play equipment.”

Home Group is currently building its new head office, One Strawberry Lane, next to St James Park. The £100k fund forms part of Home Group’s wider plans for engagement with the city’s voluntary and community sector once the building is finished.