Olympic legacy project ‘Transformed’ by SITA Trust's £500,000 funding commitment
Monday 17 October 2011
East London’s exciting Transform project, part of the Olympic Legacy Programme, will be rapidly expanded thanks to generous funding of £500,000 from environmental funder, SITA Trust, who distributes Landfill Communities Funds donated by recycling and resource management company, SITA UK.
An original £200,000 grant from Defra, and funding from the City Bridge Trust kick-started the Transform programme to develop 20 areas of derelict land in the Olympics host boroughs into green spaces or community gardens.
The £500,000 commitment from SITA Trust will enable communities in the Olympic host boroughs to come together to improve many more sites and also includes for a larger flagship project in each host borough.
Project sites will be nominated by local people and each project will have, at its very heart, the involvement of local volunteers in planning, delivery and future maintenance of the community space.
SITA Trust’s Programmes Manager Andrew Saunders said:
‘Thanks to voluntary contributions from SITA UK through the Landfill Communities Fund, SITA Trust has been enhancing communities, enriching nature and engaging people for almost 15 years. In that time we’ve allocated over £80 million to diverse projects across the country. Through Transform our aim is to help create a lasting legacy of London 2012 that is both driven forward and sustained by the communities who live in the Olympic host boroughs. Publically accessible, inspiring green spaces and recreation places are a fundamental part of creating cohesion in communities - they are sustainable only when a community feels ownership of the space. We know through experience that community driven projects are sustainable for this very reason and are delighted to be able to commit such a considerable sum to this Defra backed programme’.
Sustainability Minister Lord Taylor of Goss Moor said:
“Transform’s plan for turning derelict land into community gardens will make a big difference in improving the local environment for the whole community and local wildlife. It is a shining example of the Big Society in action, with government, businesses and local people pulling together to make a real difference to the community.”
Ben Coles, Director, Communities and Local Partnerships, Groundwork London added:
“At Groundwork London we have been passionate about outdoor spaces for three decades. We are so grateful for this funding from SITA Trust that will enable us to deliver a further 25 projects and transform derelict spaces in the Host Boroughs into well-used and valued community spaces as part of the London 2012 legacy. We will be working with London Sustainability Exchange to deliver Transform, a key part of the London 2012 Changing Places programme and are excited about the range of environmental volunteering opportunities this programme creates. The people involved will be truly empowered to lead more sustainable lifestyles and change their behaviour to reduce their environmental impact.”
Community groups in the Host Boroughs are invited to apply to become part of the Transform project by suggesting a site and some of their ideas. If successful, the project will last for around six months and will include on the ground support from Groundwork London to deliver the project. There are various funding rounds over the next 12 months. Those interested in applying should contact Rosie on rosie.hardicker@groundwork.org.uk or 020 8985 1755 or visit www.groundwork.org.uk/london.