A once-neglected patch of land in Burton upon Trent has been given a new lease of life, thanks to a partnership between social housing provider Trent & Dove and local businesses.
The area has been transformed into a thriving community allotment that will grow fresh fruit and vegetables for two local cafés and support those struggling with the cost of living.
The Warwick Street Community Allotment, which is owned by Trent & Dove, will supply fresh produce to Warm Spaces cafés and Community Fridges located on Short Street in Stapenhill and at 181 Hawfield Road in Winshill. These hubs provide free and affordable food to those who need it most.
Beyond growing food, the allotment offers a calm, welcoming space for the public to enjoy. It will be maintained by local volunteers, making it a true community-led project.
To bring the site to life, Trent & Dove called on its staff and long-standing partner Morro Partnerships to clear overgrown hedges, remove weeds, replace fencing and tidy the area. All this work was completed free of charge.
Generous local businesses also played a key role. LJS Fencing Ltd donated all the fencing and provided two operatives to help complete the job. Avon Timber Merchants contributed decking boards to further improve the site.
The project builds on the successful partnership between Trent & Dove and Morro Partnerships, which is also working on a major development on Burton’s High Street. That project will see 72 affordable apartments and 10 family homes built on the former Bargates Shopping Centre site, aimed at people over 55.
Ursula Bennion, Chief Executive of Trent & Dove, said:
We are delighted that Morro Partnerships has provided such strong support in transforming this patch of land into a sustainable and community-led green space for everyone to enjoy. Partnering with local companies not only strengthens our relationships for the good of our customers, but it also creates a lasting impact on the whole community.
The project has also received funding from Hubbub, a UK organisation that supports Community Fridges and initiatives to reduce food waste. This funding will help keep the Warwick Street Allotment thriving long term and strengthen efforts to tackle food poverty.
Trent & Dove already operates four community gardens in the region, providing peaceful and inclusive spaces for everyone. For more information about getting involved in their community projects, visit: trentanddove.org/volunteering-community-projects
