19 January 26
Environment and climate
Urmston allotment loved by community has big plans for the future
A popular Trafford allotment is growing – to the joy of the community.
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Granville Park Allotments, in Urmston, is building a community hub so it can engage more closely with residents and schoolchildren in the area.
The hub which is being developed by Granville Park Association volunteers will include undercover space and a large polytunnel. The materials for this project have been provided through recycling, applying for donations from local residents and businesses and supported by a grant from John Lewis at the Trafford Centre.
The development is on land which is provided by Trafford Council and managed by the Granville Park Allotment Association.
Allotment Secretary, Mrs Rachel Wilkinson, said:
“These are very exciting times for Granville Park Allotments and we are looking forward to the completion of our community hub. The hub will provide us with a superb space to invite local children and residents along to have a closer look at the allotment and what we do here. Our local residents are delighted. We do need some help from the community.
“Are there any local businesses out there who could support the great work by providing paving slabs for the hub and also lay them down for us? We are all volunteers and could do with the help. If you can help us, please email granvilleparkallotments@gmail.com. This would be really appreciated.”
The development of the community hub is part of a larger project to manage and develop the allotment ground and is an extension to the current community plot that was established in 2023 which provides fresh produce for local homeless charities and hosts Saturday gardening/wellbeing sessions free of charge to local residents during the growing season.
Through fundraising, a grant from Forever Manchester was awarded to the Association to develop the perimeter boundaries to the site and volunteers have landscaped the area to include a cherry blossom walk and a flowering border to attract wildlife.
Trafford Council is a huge supporter of allotments for their health and sustainability benefits and has made tackling the climate crisis a strategic corporate priority and are keen to work with local voluntary groups to provide excellent facilities for our local communities to enjoy.
Cllr Rose Thompson, Trafford Council’s executive member for Communities and Safety, said:
“Granville Park Allotments is a wonderful green space which is loved by the community and I am delighted with the news about the community hub.
"Allotments are amazing and serve as social hubs, connect to nature and promote health and sustainability. Well done to all the volunteers for all their hard work.”