The Boiler House Gardens
A growing space for people, nature, and neighbourhood life.
The Boiler House Community Gardens are an evolving, connected network of green spaces, created with and for the local community. Part of a long-term vision, the project is transforming hard, grey surfaces into greener, more welcoming environments.
Work is already underway. Sections of tarmac have been removed through de-paving, allowing the ground to absorb water naturally and support plant life, increasing biodiversity.
The gardens have been shaped through a series of co-design sessions, where community members worked alongside a professional landscape design practice to develop the early vision. A dedicated garden group now helps care for and develop the space, including a skilled gardener from the local community.
Layout and Garden Spaces
The gardens fall naturally into a series of connected zones:
Main Community Garden
Located on the former sports pitch, this will be the central space for food growing, raised beds, and a wide variety of planting. Seating will be integrated throughout, creating places to rest and spend time in the garden.
Forest Garden
Built around existing mature trees, this area will evolve into a wildlife-friendly, climate-resilient space. Inspired by permaculture principles, it will use native and woodland-style planting to reflect natural ecosystems and support biodiversity.
Rain Garden
Currently in the planting phase, this space is designed to absorb excess rainwater and reduce surface flooding. Work includes removing hard surfaces, improving drainage, and planting trees and vegetation suited to wetter conditions.
Sports pitch
Set among the gardens, the new sports pitch will provide additional opportunities for recreation, fitness, and community wellbeing.
Sustainability measures across the site include rainwater collection, tree planting, and vertical growing. Climbing plants will help form green walls and natural boundaries, contributing to both the structure and natural feel of the space.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The gardens already support birds such as robins, wood pigeons, magpies, blue tits, thrushes, and jays, along with squirrels, foxes, bees, and butterflies. The garden spaces are being developed with careful consideration for existing habitats, aiming to support and strengthen local wildlife, biodiversity, and the wider ecosystem, ensuring they continue to thrive.
The estate is also home to a small collection of beehives. The Boiler House bees are cared for by a team member who lives on the estate, with guidance from an ethical beekeeping expert. To further support the bees and enhance biodiversity more broadly we have been introducing additional habitats, including bee friendly planting, natural materials, and a small sand bank.
Community use and shared resources
The project builds on resdents’ existing interest in gardening, with shared use and collaboration already in action. Tools, informal storage, and skills are already being shared. As the project develops, these practices will be expanded and supported through more accessible resources and dedicated spaces. This approach will strengthen participation, encourage learning between growers, and extend benefits across the wider community.
Accessibility and ongoing development
The gardens are part of the wider Boiler House redevelopment, including improved indoor facilities. A new accessible entrance from Cazenove Road supports a range of mobility needs. Development is phased, with spaces evolving over time in response to community input and ongoing works.
The project itself has grown out of community consultation carried out several years ago and continues to adapt to new opportunities and challenges as it progresses.
Wellbeing and activities
The gardens will provide flexible and welcoming outdoor spaces designed to support a wide range of wellbeing needs and everyday activities, encouraging people to spend time outdoors in ways that feel natural and accessible.
Spaces to connect with others or enjoy time alone; to rest, exercise, or take part in sport. Ways to get involved, from volunteering and growing food to learning about gardening and sustainability, with workshops and events that support community life.
The gardens will include sunny and shaded areas, with places to sit, unwind and connect.
Growing a Shared Vision
We look forward to the gardens becoming a vibrant, shared resource that builds community wellbeing, learning, and connection for years to come.
If you’d like to find out more or get involved with the gardening group, please get in touch.
