Stoke Newington gardens get a revamp

People living in property to rent in the London borough of Hackney and others in the area are set to benefit from a revamped green space in the area.

The Friends of Kynaston Gardens, which is located in Stoke Newington, have received an impressive £48,225 grant from Groundwork UK and the Big Lottery Fund's Community Spaces initiative.

It aims to improve the site, which is owned and managed by Hackney Council, so residents in the area can benefit from the green space.

Groundwork will be working with the Friends of Kynaston Gardens to transform the space, which has in the past been blighted by anti-social behaviour and street drinking.

As part of the new design, members of the community will be able to grow food within the gardens.

In order to boost the biodiversity in the area, there will be wild flowers grown, and there will also be some play activities on offer for younger visitors to the gardens.

Throughout autumn, Hackney Council will be working closely with both organisations in order to implement the changes which will revamp the green space.

Hackney Council's cabinet member for health and community services, councillor Jonathan McShane, said: "This is really good news and shows what can be done when the council and the community work together.

"Hackney has many little green treasures cared for by volunteers who are doing a great job. I'm looking forward to seeing the plans become a reality for this green space."

Matt Dillon, from Friends of Kynaston Gardens, explained the transformation is likely to lead to the creation of a "blooming" community garden, with a children's play area.

Recently, Hackney Council called for people to stop smoking in Clissold Park play area, in order to boost the health and wellbeing of youngsters in the borough.

Posted by Andy Britten 

Published 25th July, 2011

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