A community greenhouse in Brockwell Park could be revamped to allow for activities all year round. 

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses has submitted a planning application for its one-acre garden site in the park.  

The charity plans to renovate and extend the 210sqm greenhouse, which it uses for outdoor classes for children and holiday family workshops.  

According to the planning application: “BPCG aims to create an attractive and welcoming space which provides a haven for local people and urban wildlife, to build community and improve lives by encouraging people to take part in gardening, outdoor learning, play and other creative activities. 

“Currently BPCG undertakes 75 per cent of its activities in six warmer months of the year.  

“During those months there is more demand than can be accommodated by existing built facilities.  

“During the colder months, the charity could run many more schools sessions, adult and child workshops, community events and site hires but are unable to due to lack of warm dry built facilities and suitable cooking facilities. 

“Meanwhile the existing greenhouse space requires an overhaul to some of the fabric and renovations to fixtures and fittings.” 

The revamp would include a new classroom, learning kitchen, storage space, cloakroom, toilets, and new access from a park pathway.  

If the plans are approved, the classroom will accommodate up to 30 children plus accompanying adults, while the teaching kitchen will be used as a supplementary teaching space, as well as for preparing volunteer lunches, events and banquets. 

The charity expects the income created by the redevelopment could help it cover 80 per cent of its core costs by the end of 2022/23.  

“The development specifically provides facilities related to horticulture and the use of open spaces and is intended therefore, to enhance the use and enjoyment of Brockwell Park.  

“The charity expects that such a programme will support greater use by volunteers, school children, families and visitors.  

“This will increase the charity’s financial sustainability so that by the end of 2022/23 it will cover 80+% of its core costs out of increased trading revenue,” according to the planning statement.