Monday 28 April saw the official opening of the new community garden in Bargeddie. 

What was done

This was a joint project between St Kevin’s Primary School, Bargeddie Primary School and The Safety Zone,

It was led by St Kevin’s Parent Council Chair Gareth James, supported by the Community Partnership Team and completed within a tight schedule thanks to a variety of funding supports from UK Government, North Lanarkshire Council and Safe Deposit Scotland, plus community benefits from local contractors including Tarmac, Viridor, Kier Construction and Clarkson Car & Van hire.

Initial funding from a past LDP project to replace flooring in the main hall of the Safety Zone last year also helped kick start the project and attracted additional funding and community benefits support to ensure its success. Local volunteers provided hands on support to bring the garden design to life. 

Outcome

The Friendship Garden will  provide growing and outdoor learning opportunities for pupils from both schools and the Safety Zone, impacting on local LOIP priorities around health and wellbeing. The schools have already started work on their potato growing projects, proudly on display at the opening event.  A mud kitchen and potting tables will complete phase one of the project and workshops on planting, composting and growing have been organised for pupils.

Around 300 pupils, staff, project workers and locals turned up to celebrate the opening of the garden and it’s hoped that local volunteers will continue to take an interest in maintaining and further developing the space.  Phase two plans are now being implemented, including a wildflower meadow, tree planting to provide some natural screening for the homes around the site, extension of the pathway and a new gateway created to provide direct access from the school grounds.  Attached photos show the site before the project started and on completion of phase one.