£5,000 refurbishment for 'secret garden' at Wellingborough independent living scheme

The outdoor space at Charles Robinson Court, known to those who live there as the ‘secret garden’, was more than 15-years-old and has always been well-used, despite it being in desperate need of a refurbishment.

Following requests from the residents to refresh the garden, Northants-based housing association, Greatwell Homes used £5,000 as part of their Your Great Spaces project to give the much-loved area a refresh.

This included new fencing, gates and archways, as well as the replacement of rotting sleepers for the raised beds and fresh paving.

The work was carried out by contractor AR Outdoor Spaces.

The newly-refurbished secret garden was officially opened on March 9 with attendance from those living at the scheme and employees from Greatwell Homes and HMP Five Wells.

Ken Hopkins, who lives at the scheme, said: “The garden refurb is spot on. I am really pleased with the work. We said we wanted it back like it was before, but it’s much better now.”

As an additional surprise to the customers, the housing association worked with HMP Five Wells to lovingly restore one of the previous benches – which was originally bought by past residents of the scheme - to provide additional seating in the area.

Steve Steers, estates services manager at Greatwell Homes, said: “We’re delighted to be able to transform much-loved areas like this and that is exactly what the ‘Your Great Spaces’ project is all about. It’s designated funds to go back into the community following suggestions from our customers.

“We’re delighted to be able to work closely with our partners at HMP Five Wells and AR Outdoor Spaces again to provide a positive contribution to our neighbourhoods.”

Greatwell Homes – formerly Wellingborough Homes – is one of the largest housing associations in Northamptonshire, owning and managing more than 5,200 homes in Wellingborough, Kettering, Raunds and Northampton.