HYPE Merseyside’s ‘Urban Walled Garden’ will open this Sunday, 10 April, thanks to a generous contribution from an anonymous local donor and funds raised as part of a crowdfunding campaign in February.
The Crowdfunder was set up to generate funds to create a public space and seating area containing colourful and exotic plants and a welcoming habitat for insects and birds.
It raised over £500, with the remaining £2,500 being given to the Birkenhead-based social enterprise by a generous local donor, who wishes to remain anonymous.
The launch event will take place from 10am – 2pm at the Grand Entrance to Birkenhead Park, on Park Road North. HYPE Merseyside will be providing lots of free activities for all the family, including ‘Park Explorer’ and ‘Run Walk Cycle Play’ activities, there will also be tea and coffee on offer, Balance Bikes for those under the age of 6, a dog show and a sweet shop.
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Matthew Houghton from HYPE Merseyside said, “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of everyone who contributed to Crowdfunder and to our local donor, who have all helped us make this project a reality.
“It is always great to see any empty or neglected space being brought back to life and the fact that this particular space is in the historic park that we call home – as it starts its 175th anniversary celebrations – makes it all the more special.
“Our team of young volunteers have worked closely with Grow Wellbeing to lead the transformation of the space and they have done an incredible job, with work still in progress.
“What they have created is a space that will really benefit the local residents and visitors, from our volunteers and staff, to youth and other community groups – we can’t wait for people to experience it this weekend!”
Following the launch event on Sunday 10 April, work will continue to complete the garden, which is being delivered by Grow Wellbeing and six young HYPE Merseyside staff members, with the support of Kindred , a collaborative network of socially-trading organisations in the Liverpool City Region.
HYPE has extensive experience in transforming empty spaces into areas that can be used purposefully by the community to deliver events and activities and the Urban Walled Garden is the first of a number of ‘empty spaces’ the organisation plans to bring to life this year.
To find out more about HYPE Merseyside, visit: hype-merseyside.co.uk
Image: (L-R) Duane from Grow Wellbeing, Brad, Fintan, Ellen, Ben, Jodie, andAndreia, all from HYPE-Merseyside, and Sophie from Grow Wellbeing
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