A communal garden used by tenants living in a block of flats in Southwell has been improved thanks to funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council and support from its construction partner, Gusto Construction Ltd.

The residents of Coghill Court are now enjoying fresh turf, new planters, a rotary line, and a new bin store. The garden was updated in conjunction with the council’s development of four new two bed bungalows on a piece of land next door.

A special event was held for tenants at the garden to officially open it, with Miles Harrison, one of the growers in the council’s successful Crop Drop scheme, leading a gardening demonstration (pictured).

It allowed tenants to see how to plant herbs and vegetables such as rosemary, courgettes, mint, tomatoes, lettuce, and strawberries — and then how to look after them too.

Sherwood’s Local Influence Network chair, Helen Douthwaite, also attended to promote tenant engagement opportunities and will work with tenants to prepare a watering rota for the crops being grown.

Coun Lee Brazier, portfolio holder for Homes and Health at the council, said: “The updates to the communal garden are fantastic for our tenants — giving them even more reason to enjoy the outdoors and get their fingers green by growing their own vegetables to enjoy.

“When building new homes in an area, we always engage with neighbouring residents and see how else we may be able to help and schemes such as this show how well this can work.”

The new bungalows will be dedicated for supported accommodation and were designed by Studio G Architects, built by local construction company Gusto Construction Ltd, and have energy-efficient heating solutions installed. This includes double A rated boilers, insulation in the roof, wall, and floor, and high-efficiency double glazing.

Solar-powered street lighting has also been installed as part of the scheme.

Jerome Wright, commercial director at Gusto, said: “It was great to meet and hand over the keys to the four new bungalows and to hear that they are soon to be occupied by some very lucky tenants.

“They are in a great location close to the centre of Southwell and have been designed and built using good quality traditional materials and detailing.

“It’s the first project that we have completed for Newark and Sherwood District Council, so it was good to hear the positive comments and feedback from everyone who attended on the way that the job had been delivered by our team on site.”

The council’s five-year house building programme is nearing completion with a total of 343 homes expected to have been delivered by the start of 2024.

Construction is currently under way on site for 12 new one-bed flats at North Gate, Newark; five bungalows and four flats at Devon Road, Hawtonville; two two-bed flats at Eton Avenue, Hawtonville; and seven homes at Dale Lane, Blidworth. New temporary accommodation at Quibells Lane, Newark is also nearing completion with 20 flexible-use units and a community centre.

Comments