£165,000 Forfar Garden to Grow from Thorn in the Flesh Town Site
A new community garden in Forfar will transform a troubled site into a vibrant space, backed by £165,000 in funding and local support.
Forfar, Scotland, Community Garden, Angus Council, Forfar Open Garden
Forfar: Work is starting on a new community garden. Angus Council made a £1 deal with the charity behind this project.
Since 2015, Forfar Open Garden has welcomed about 2,500 visitors each year. It’s a great place for people with autism and dementia, plus anyone who loves gardening.
The charity’s current lease ends in June. The new housing committee decided to let the group take over old lock-ups at Lochside. These lock-ups have been a problem for the council for years.
Lochside Site a Target for Fire-Raisers
Councillors agreed to a 15-year lease for just £1 a year. The garage site has seen vandalism, including three fires recently.
Maureen Wedderburn, chairwoman of Forfar Open Garden, said they secured £163,000 in grants to improve the site. The community has offered help, too.
FOG has two staff members, an apprentice, and many volunteers. They aim to increase visitors to 4,000 a year.
The charity is ready to clear the Lochside site. This move will also help Forfar Horticultural Society keep its home there.
The site has 20 brick lock-ups and 13 garages, but they’ve been mostly empty for over six years. Last year, they made less than £2,500.
Refurbishment costs are estimated at £150,000. FOG plans to demolish some lock-ups and reuse others.
Forfar Open Garden Wins Unanimous Support
Councillor Lynne Devine led the committee’s support for the project. She expressed excitement about the new garden.
She praised the old garden’s work and inclusivity over the past decade. Devine is glad to see the council use this problematic area for something positive.
Many complaints have come in about the site, which has been neglected. This new garden will be a great improvement for Forfar.