A community gardening space at the Broad Street Adult Education Centre in Coventry, used by adult learners with learning difficulties and disabilities, has been transformed thanks to a social value initiative delivered by Armac Group in partnership with The Hill Group.
Following a successful community open day, which welcomed local residents to explore the gardens and purchase fresh vegetables grown by the adult learners, representatives from Armac, Hill and Coventry City Council returned to see the completed improvements. The visit provided an opportunity to see firsthand the transformation of the outdoor spaces, meet the staff and learners behind the project, and hear how the new facilities are supporting adults in developing horticultural skills, growing fresh produce and spending more time outdoors.
The improvements are already making a positive impact, creating new opportunities for learning, confidence building and social interaction, while strengthening connections with the wider community.
As part of Armac’s commitment to the City Centre South regeneration project, led by Hill, the company pledged to undertake meaningful social value activity within the local community. Working closely with Coventry Learns (Adult Education Service), Armac donated materials and more than 100 hours of labour to improve horticultural areas at the Broad Street Adult Education Centre.
The project included the installation of new perimeter fencing, refurbishment and replacement of damaged polytunnels, and the creation of raised planting beds designed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges.
Around 40 learners use the centre’s horticultural facilities, which support the development of green skills, gardening knowledge and confidence in a safe and inclusive environment.
Cllr Lynnette Kelly, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change said, “City Centre South is set to make a positive difference in the city centre, it will transform the area and create a new community at the heart of the city. What’s also really pleasing though, is that the Hill team and their supply chain are getting involved now, and supporting local initiatives to make a difference through brilliant partnerships like this one.
Howard Croft from Coventry Learns said: “The improvements made by Armac have had a really positive impact, not only on the appearance and functionality of the space, but also on the confidence and wellbeing of our learners.”
“Many of the adults using these facilities have physical or cognitive impairments, so having a more enclosed, secure and accessible environment makes a huge difference. The refurbished polytunnels will help learners concentrate, develop new skills and grow produce which they can now proudly share with the local community.”
Social Value Champion, Lee Binyon from Armac Group, said: “As soon as we learned about this project, we knew it was something we wanted to support. Seeing the transformation of the gardens has been incredibly rewarding.”
“Our team dedicated more than 100 hours of work on site, and we’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved. Knowing these facilities will provide lasting benefits for learners and help create new opportunities for learning, wellbeing and community engagement makes the project especially meaningful.”
The project supports the wider social value commitments linked to the long-term City Centre South regeneration in Coventry, which aims to create opportunities and lasting benefits for local communities throughout the development programme.
Stuart Bale, Regional Director at The Hill Group, said: “City Centre South is about far more than buildings; it’s about creating positive change within the community. This project is a wonderful example of how our supply chain partners are helping to make a meaningful difference locally through social value initiatives that provide a lasting legacy.”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Equalities at Coventry City Council said: “These improvements will really have a positive impact for everyone who learns at Broad Street Adult Education Centre. Not only does the space look more welcoming and inviting, but it’s also more accessible for everyone to enjoy, learn new skills, and grow produce together.”
“I would like to thank Armac and Hill for their commitment to this project. Their support has created a space that will benefit learners for years to come, and it really shows the positive impact that partnerships can have to our communities.”
Once complete, City Centre South will provide up to 1,575 new homes, a mix of studio to three-bedroom apartments designed to suit a diverse community of residents. The first phase will deliver 991 of these homes, alongside 8,000 square metres of new commercial space for shops, hospitality and businesses, and 17,000 square metres of public open space.
