Driven by a resident with a passion for gardening and part funded by City of Lincoln Council and the Lincolnshire Economic Action Partnership, the Portland Street Project is well under way.
Trying to improve the look of her garden, resident Janice Schlanker first took up gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was encouraged to apply for a grant from the Community Chest with her work gaining recognition from her neighbours and the Sincil Bank Community Hub.
As a result of Janice’s application, £2,500 was granted to Sage Gardeners to develop a gardening project with residents. This donation was then matched by McNeil & Co Solicitors to increase the funding.
Six planters made by learners from Abbey Access Centre using material given by Jewson Partnership Solutions have been installed at the front of the properties on Portland Street.
The project falls into many broader developments being set up by Sincil Bank Community Hub and local communities to regenerate the area, including plans for housing development on Hermit Street.
Janice Schlanker said: “Members of the community drive this project under the watchful eye of Sage Gardener CIC. Together we hope to create a beautiful green space in the city centre for the residents to enjoy while improving the area’s appearance to benefit the broader community.
“We are working together to create a better sense of community and wellbeing, learning new skills, and expanding friendships; I hope the benefits will be enjoyed for many years. A huge thank you goes out to the neighbours who have been involved and everyone who has supported this project.”
Jane Newman, Director at Sage Gardener CIC, said, “The Portland Street project is important to the local community and sets an example about the future of the Sincil area. We are delighted to have been working collaboratively to deliver this project, encouraging people to volunteer, to learn and share practical skills, providing good visual and actual space for wildlife and making the area more attractive.”
