BRINGING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD TOGETHER WITH A COMMUNITY KITCHEN AND VEGETABLE GARDEN

In response to social difficulties faced in the Haggerston area of London, found through group research, I propose the creation of a community kitchen and vegetable garden to be built on the north bank of Regents Canal. Spanning three sites, a community kitchen doubling as a community centre, vegetable garden with community compost bin and hydroponic greenhouse will be built on three sites along Regents Row. This will bring the residents along this street and the wider community a place to build friendships and community connections. Local residents can gather in the kitchen and serve meals ‘family style’ for all to enjoy. The building can also be a place locals can ‘work from home’, do their homework, and relax together. It will be built using Passivehaus guidelines, with a living moss roof and solar panels to support electricity used in the kitchen. The Garden will be looked after by an employed gardener and local apprentice, supported by local volunteers to grow fruit and vegetables to be used in the kitchen. The project will be funded by Hackney Borough Council and the National lottery. The space can be rented to local businesses for events, to earn extra income.