Plans to convert a disused space on Weir Estate into a new Sensory Garden for use by residents and the local community, have been given a boost by Lambeth Living who are to help get the work underway by preparing the area and installing the fencing.

WERA Chair, Dave McEvoy met with Lambeth Officer, Chris Adamson, Strategic Housing Manager and Landscape Architect, Caroline Fraser to discuss moving the project forward and now plans have been drawn up on how the garden could look once completed.

With Lambeth Council planning to become the first co-operative council, Lambeth Living have agreed to work with residents and support the project by undertaking some of the preparation work as well as providing guidance and advice. Once this is done, the garden will then be handed over to WERA to manage to develop the space into a sensory garden. The co-operative model is designed to empower residents more while getting support of the council and its housing management organisation, Lambeth Living. The funds will be provided by Weir Estate Residents Association.

The area sited in the corner of Anfield Close, has been disused for a number of years will be transformed into an area of relaxation and sensory stimulation.

Lambeth Living have got behind the project though it shall still be funded by funds from the Association. The project which is expected to get underway by the end of the summer will then hopefully be opened by the end of this year.

Drawings of how the garden could look have been drawn by Lambeth Living’s Architect, Caroline Fraser who is also advising on how best to undertake the project. These will now go before association members and residents for consideration and approval before any works get underway. The garden will consist of sensory planting, seating, the growing of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs which will then be sold to local residents at a small fee to then keep the garden going. Residents will also be invited to take part in its implantation and development as well as gaining new skills, hints and tips from gardening experts. It is expected that local schools and groups will also be invited to make use of the space once it has opened. WERA also insist that it will be a great relaxing space for all ages to enjoy and be interactive.

Chair, Dave McEvoy told of his delight at getting the support of Lambeth Living “The garden will turn a run down, disused and unattractive part of the estate into something which brings many benefits to residents and local people, something that I am keen to ensure remains at the forefront of life on Weir Estate, this partnership and support from Lambeth Living is fantastic and will ensure that this project becomes a reality. This is a very exciting project and I hope residents will get involved in transforming this disused and eyesore part of the estate and see the fruits of their labour grow in the future.”

Residents at a number of WERA meetings agreed to spending association funds generated by the mobile phone masts is to be spent on converting the area which will be secured by fencing and a gate in the evenings to prevent it being misused.