Latest News | 10 July 2024
Community garden initiative shortlisted for national award
Down to Earth Derby
Wavensmere Homes
The Pepperpot
A community garden initiative involving Wavensmere Homes and Down to Earth Derby has been shortlisted for a national award.
The collaboration, which has resulted in the creation of the garden at Wavensmere’s Nightingale Quarter scheme, has been shortlisted for Best Community Initiative by the 2024 Housebuilder Awards
The Nightingale Quarter is in the final stages of construction. redevelopment of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary has brought about the regeneration of the 18.5-acre Florence Nightingale-designed hospital site, which had lain vacant for a decade before it was acquired by Wavensmere Homes in 2019.
The £175 million project comprises a new community of 925 houses and apartments, a large co-working space, residents’ gymnasium, a cycle path, The Pepperpot (restaurant, and over six-acres of open space.
During the past six months, a £40,000 community garden has been planned, landscaped and planted by residents living at the development, working together with Down to Earth’s team.
The newly created magnet for nature and wildlife features an interactive garden and allotment space, which is being enjoyed and maintained by locals of all ages, including groups of school children from nearby St James’ C of E Junior School.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Being shortlisted for the 2024 Housebuilder Awards is testament to a significant collaborative effort from Down to Earth Derby, Nightingale Quarter residents, and our design and construction team.
“This national award shines a spotlight on the importance of community and how meaningful initiatives can create a real difference for local people.
“Having recently welcomed Down to Earth’s mentor Sir Tim Smit – co-founder of the Eden Project – to officially unveil the garden, we are excited about the opportunities to continue making a positive impact to local people at our upcoming regeneration schemes.”
The winners of the Housebuilder Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on 31 October.
