A project aimed at utilising the green space across the city is set to receive further funding, allowing it to expand.
Bluegreen Liverpool is a Big Lottery funded scheme which is run by Engage Liverpool, with the aim of finding new ways to use the vacant and underused green spaces throughout the city.
It was originally intended to be a way for locals without space of their own to enjoy the outdoors. So far, the initiative has worked to make the Baltic Hub open space useable as well as holding a series of workshops, urban design walks and an event that taught people to make outdoor furniture from wooden pallets.
The project is now set to receive funding from the Tesco Bags of Help fund which is a result of the 5p carrier bag charge that was implemented across the country last year.
There are three funding totals up for grabs; £8,000, £10,000 and £12,000 and which one Bluegreen Liverpool receive is decided by a public vote in Tesco stores taking place until March 6th.
Project manager at Bluegreen Liverpool, Elaine Cresswell, told JMU Journalism what the cash boost will mean for the project.
She said: “The funding will mean that the idea in our heads can turn into a reality. We can build a main allotment site and ensure that there are adequate plants, storage and water collection.”
Project workers also want to plant fruit trees on popular walking routes to schools as well as installing hanging gardens featuring climbers, sunflowers and strawberries along some of the main streets in Liverpool.
“There are countless studies that prove that access to greenspace helps to reduce stress, eat healthily, exercise and even improves the birthweight of new born babies. I’d love for this project to be able to bring a sense of freedom and time-out from everyday worries,” added Elaine.
The scheme is also now set to collaborate with The Brink Liverpool to create horticultural therapy spaces across the city as well as potentially starting up a food bank.