Sensory garden helps to transform town centre

Warrington’s Prince’s Trust got £5,000 from discount retailer, Wilko, to sponsor its ‘Get Started in Urban Spaces’ programme.

Groundwork designed and managed the initiative, on behalf of the Prince’s Trust, who provided volunteers aged between 16 and 30.

The week-long project provided training for the volunteers, allowing them to develop new skills while creating an appealing new space for the community.

The Warrington BID team, who lead the scheme, and Warrington Borough Council identified a space on Buttermarket Street as being in need of improvement.

The project is part of the BID’s efforts to improve green spaces in the town centre over the next four years.

The new sensory garden includes a mix of flowers, shrubs and herbs, and has been designed with the purpose of stimulating the senses.

The garden also incorporates a seating area and it is hoped that it will increase mental wellbeing and encourage people to stay in the town centre for longer.

Before the work was carried out

Jane Hough, Business Improvement District programme manager from Groundwork, said: “Groundwork has been working in the town centre for the past four years, originally with The Prince’s Trust, and more recently in delivering the ‘yes!’ vote and establishing a Business Improvement District.

“Thanks to the funding from Wilko, not only will the sensory garden make a real difference to the look of the place, but it has also provided employability and skills training opportunities.”

Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “This is a fantastic example of how we are working together through the BID to improve the town centre environment.”

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“We know the huge benefits high quality green spaces can have on people’s wellbeing and the sensory garden will provide people with a peaceful and tranquil area to relax. It will be a great addition to our town centre.”