Tenants and visitors at a sheltered housing complex are now enjoying the benefits of a garden project designed to brighten their living spaces. The communal gardens near the community centre at Sandon Close, Grantham, which were in need of rejuvenation, have been revitalised through a partnership between residents and Equans, a sustainable energy firm and SKDC's sustainability partner for decarbonisation retrofits to council housing.
The initiative was proposed by local champion Agnes Kelly and her partner, aiming to bring flower beds back to life and foster a sense of ownership among those living nearby. Their proposal emerged from a community meeting focused on the feasibility, sustainability, and next steps for improving the gardens using the council’s Social Value fund.
Equans staff contributed to the project during one of their volunteering days, carrying out the transformation. The work involved building low-maintenance flower beds from scratch, laying anti-weed membrane, and planting the first shrubs.
“"Many of the personnel from Equans were completing their volunteering day when they attended today to redesign the Sandon Close communal gardens. As the work was finishing, it was pleasing to see several tenants, who were not present at the 22nd July meeting, come over to express their happiness that this work was underway and that so much progress had been made."
Keith Randall, Tenant Engagement Officer, commented on the project's success: “This project shows the true value of tenant led engagement, and excellent contractor relations when it comes to achieving positive outcomes in South Kesteven, and we hope to use this as a blueprint for future tenant led initiatives to bring beneficial change for our tenants.”
