Allotments and community garden
The story so far
The next area coming forward at Alconbury Weald includes space for additional allotments and a community garden.
We have been listening to the sorts of spaces people want to use and share, as we sketched options for this area with our charity partners Groundwork East.
A couple of weeks ago we shared high-level plans and gathered feedback. From this we have now developed the detailed design that we want to test with the community, before we submit the plans to the local authority.
Responding to your feedback
In response to feedback from the allotment consultation in April, we have:
- based the detailed design plan on Option 2.
- set aside plots 19–32 as a flexible communal green area, to be shaped by future demand and could come forward as individual plots or communal growing space.
- added a mini orchard area with a range of fruit trees.
- enhanced the storytelling area.
- provided space for a communal polytunnel if this is something community gardeners want to pursue.
- placed water butts where we can, and if individual sheds come forward on plots, they could have their own water butts.
- left space for sheds on individual plots and space so community gardeners can explore shared space for storage.
- included trees and a pergola to provide shade.
- incorporated more open spaces into the design.
- added benches and tables (one will be lower for children).
- included smaller and accessible plots.
- moved the compost area to a more central location.
In addition:
- although a community pond has not been included at this stage, it could be added at a later date if the community want to take this forward.
- bike racks are being explored adjacent to the car park.
- a health and safety review concluded it would introduce health risks to have a specific food prep area, however, pop-up tables will be available for events and activities.