A GARDEN regeneration project which has brought a community together has been celebrated.
The sunken garden, in the grounds of Calder House in Newgate, Mirfield, will eventually be open to the public.
The previously neglected and overgrown plot will soon become a real asset to the town.
Calder House is a housing complex run by Stonham Home Group which provides accommodation and support for homeless and vulnerable people.
The regeneration was a collaboration between Stonham and the local community with initial funding sourced by Mirfield Community Partnership.
The garden was designed by environmental charity Groundwork and was cleared and re-planted by a team including local residents and clients from Stonham and mental health service Pathways.
Throughout the project the volunteers have been supported by Mirfield-based Grace Landscapes to gain qualifications in horticulture. One Stonham resident now works for the company.
A celebration event to mark the progress so far was opened by Mayor of Mirfield Clr David Pinder.
Visitors were given a first close-up look at the garden and a display at the nearby St Paul’s Church documented the garden’s transformation.
Work is about to start on the final stages before the gardens, on the edge of the town centre, are fully opened.
Deborah Murphy, senior project worker for Stonham Home Group, said: “It was wonderful to welcome visitors to the sunken garden and celebrate the hard work of everyone involved in the project.
“When we started the garden was like a jungle but it’s been completely transformed and is well on its way to becoming a great space for community events.
“It has also been fantastic to see the project forge links between local businesses and residents.
“We’ve had staff and clients from numerous organisations get involved as well as other members of the community and without all their hard work the regeneration could never have been achieved.
“We really hope that these links will stay strong as we put the finishing touches to the garden and move onto future projects.”
Once complete the garden will be open to the public as well as being used by Stonham residents.
