The project was carried out by volunteers from Mears Group’s North Lanarkshire branch, creating a fresh community space for residents to grow their own produce and enjoy gardening.
Huws Gray donated materials for the base of the greenhouse, allowing the project to move ahead withoutdelay. Their support played a vital role in the successful completion of thework.
The £1,500 grant was awarded during the Mears Foundation’s September 2024 grant window, which focused on social inclusion, food poverty and environmental improvement. The funds enabled the purchase of the greenhouse structure itself, which is now in place and being actively used by residents.
Tony Stace, resident at Ochil Street and lead on the grant application, said:
We cannot thank the Mears Foundation and the Mears operatives enough for everything they’ve done. They worked so hard to make our idea a reality. We love the community spirit it’s brought here at Ochil Street.
Kirstie Jameson, Customer Success Manager at Mears, added:
When the grant window opened, I worked closely with Tony and Eleanor, the Retirement Officer, to put together the application. It was supported by more than 15 residents. Many of them are now spending over six hours a day in the greenhouse. It’s made a real difference already.
Alan Burns, Managing Director,Mears Group, said:
This is a fantastic example of local teamwork. Thank you to our North Lanarkshire branch for volunteering their time and to our partners at Huws Gray for donating materials. It shows the power of partnership in supporting communities.
Eddie Hernon, Managing Director at PDM Huws Gray, added:
We were proud to support this community-led project. It’s a great example of how local partnerships can deliver lasting impact. We were happy to donate materials and see them put to such good use.
The greenhouse has created aspace where residents can grow fruit, vegetables and flowers together. It has already become a daily part of life at the complex. After the work was completed, residents invited the volunteer team back for a cup of tea and slice of cake as a thank you.
