Council secures funding to help community hub grow

Oldham Council has received funding from the Veolia Environmental Trust worth £53,125 to improve facilities at one of the borough’s growing hubs - helping them to support more Oldhamers who may be struggling to afford the essentials.

The Veolia Environmental Trust has awarded the money so Wildbrook Growing Hub can be developed into a thriving base that benefits the community by producing food that can then be distributed to those in need via Oldham Foodbank.

The money will be used on a range of improvements, including the installation of raised growing beds, turning existing land into growing areas and new equipment.

This will increase biodiversity in the area, which is a key funding criteria of the Veolia Environmental Trust.

A new hut will also be put in place – boosting facilities for the volunteers, residents, schools and community groups who currently get involved in sessions at the hub.

ForHousing, Great Places and Caddick Construction are also supporting the project and are contributing collectively more than £5,700 towards it.

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Don’t Trash Oldham, said: “This funding is very welcome, and I’d like to thank The Veolia Environmental Trust for granting it and also our staff for making it happen.

“Thanks to you, residents who are struggling to put healthy food on the table will soon be getting extra fruit and vegetables grown right on their own doorsteps.

“By improving the facilities we also hope more people from across Oldham will get involved in our growing projects.

“The sessions we hold can help improve physical and mental wellbeing for people of all ages, and it’s well worth finding out more if you are interested in getting involved.”

Wildbrook Growing Hub is a former community allotment off Wildbrook Crescent in Fitton Hill.

It was brought back in March 2023 after being closed for more than seven years.

In that time it had fallen derelict and had been targeted by vandals.

The restoration project is a partnership between the council and Local Food First CIC.

Caroline Schwaller, Chair of the Veolia Environmental Trust, said: "The Veolia Environmental Trust is delighted to be a part of this wonderful community project in Oldham that will have both social and environmental benefits, improving quality of life in the area.

“A core focus of the Trust’s work is bringing people and nature together and we are now looking forward to seeing the positive progress and impact the community hub has across Oldham.”

To find out more about how you can get involved in a growing session or to volunteer, click here

If you would like to donate to Oldham Foodbank, please click here

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