The Mayor of H&F, Cllr Emma Apthorp, cuts a cake to officially open the new glasshouse in Ravenscourt Park
A new community glasshouse has been unveiled in Ravenscourt Park following a re-development project financially supported by H&F Council.
The light and airy new glasshouse in Hammersmith is set to become a hub for local residents, with gardening, wreath making, yoga and volunteering among activities planned.
The glasshouse is the culmination of several years of planning and a £112,000 fundraising drive by environmental charity Hammersmith Community Gardens Association (HCGA).
Replacing the former 1960s glasshouse with the new green hub has been part of a long term plan by HCGA – which manages another three community gardens in the borough – since it began working at the Ravenscourt Park site in 2004.
Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Emma Apthorp, and Shepherds Bush MP Andy Slaughter joined HCGA, local residents, supporters and volunteers to officially open the new glasshouse in Ravenscourt Park last week.
Simon Beale, chair of the charity, explained: "The project has taken several years to achieve but we have now created a green venue for the benefit of the local community."
As part of the design, a stunning mosaic depicting scenes of trees, flowers, and wildlife including birds, butterflies and bees was created by community gardener, Myra Heller.
Taking centre stage in the glasshouse's stone floor, the mosaic is a colourful reminder of the environmental impact of community involvement in planting and growing.
The new glasshouse received additional funding from The Mayor's Fund, local businesses and individual supporters to ensure it could be completed.
Work on the glasshouse project initially got under way in 2021, but stalled during the pandemic. The foundations were laid at the start of 2022, with further work to develop the structure and install the glass panels taking place over the past year.
Local businesses including Sam's Riverside, W6 Garden Centre, and Roots and Berries also supported the launch event.
The glasshouse will be open to the public on 10-11 June as part of London Open Gardens weekend, along with another eight gardens in the borough, ranging from Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments to Emery Walker's House in Hammersmith Terrace.
To find out about events and workshops at Ravenscourt Park Glasshouse, visit the Hammersmith Community Gardens Association website and sign up to receive the newsletter.
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