TRANQUIL SENSORY SPACE IN THE HEART OF CONGLETON TOWN CENTRE
An under-used and tired garden space in Moody Street Congleton has been transformed into a vibrant sensory space suitable for people of all ages to relax and enjoy, thanks to an initiative between Congleton Partnership, Ansa, Cheshire East Council and Congleton Town Council.
The unloved grey space was recognised as an area in need of improvement by Manchester Metropolitan University Students as long ago as 2010. Seven years later, thanks to funding made available through a local development the space has received a complete make-over.
A new surface, seating, edging, mosaics, sensory plants, bird boxes, fencing and a wooden butterfly sculpture have all been added in addition to a gate. Mike Smith from Congleton Partnership explained; “By working together in true partnership style we have completely changed the look and feel of the garden and it is great to see local people starting to use and enjoy the space. We have also worked with local groups such as Ruby’s Fund, Friendly Faces child minders and the Electric Picture House to enhance the area. A gate was added so that parents and nurseries didn’t need to worry about little ones running out onto the road when using the garden. It is very much a public space.”
He continued: “Many people and groups have played a part in creating this space and I would particularly like to thank the Marianne Hodgkinson from Ansa for her great attention to detail in designing the space.”
The Garden can be found towards the bottom of Moody Street , opposite the National Westminster Bank. The garden will be maintained by Congleton Town Council’s Streetscape team, with help from the In Bloom volunteers. It is hoped that more local people will take an interest in the garden and help keep it litter and weed free while enjoying the space.
Moody Street Gardens is one of a series of public pocket gardens in Congleton that can be enjoyed by local people. Others include Margaret’s Place off Antrobus Street and the Community Garden in Lawton Street.
