Multi-disciplinary arts venue SWG3 has revealed the first phase of its plans to transform a huge stretch of derelict land behind its main warehouse building into a new community garden.
The 3,200m² of wasteland has been redesigned in consultation with neighbours, resident artists, staff, and the wider local community as the SWG3 complex prepares for one of its most significant developments yet: a green space.
The Garden’s development has been led by horticultural and design expert Jeremy Needham who has also been looking after a miniature forest of indigenous plants and trees which were donated after Cop26.
A spacious outdoor terrace stretching out beneath the Warehouse windows has also been built featuring a sculpture designed by award-winning Scottish artist Jacqueline Donachie. Titled STEP, the artwork will be installed on the terrace as modular platforms.
Across the rest of the year work will begin on bringing to life the plans for the rest of the space, including bespoke seating, growing and food production beds, a sheltered gathering space, a sensory planting area, and a woodland walkway.
Andrew Fleming-Brown, MD of SWG3, said, “We’re delighted to be able to reveal our plans for The Garden. It’s an integral part of our vision of creating a truly world-class cultural and circular campus, as well as an exciting way for SWG3 to become even more involved with our local community. As a project, The Garden holds so much potential to collaborate, learn and create and we can’t wait to welcome visitors later in the year.”
Access times to The Garden will be published on the SWG3 website and from next Spring the Garden will be open daily, all year round.