A new community garden is coming to Riverside Family Hub in Solihull.
Plans are in place to transform a previously unused outdoor area at the Family Hub into a welcoming, modern outdoor space for families to enjoy following a successful £49,828 bid to the Severn Trent Community Fund.
Works are expected to begin this spring with an estimated completion date of around June 2026.
The project was endorsed by local community groups ReImagine Me CIC and Super SEN CIC, both of which contributed letters of support to help the Hub secure the award.
A total of 151 local young people, parents, and carers were asked to vote on their preferences for the garden, with the creative, sensory, and relaxation areas receiving the highest number of votes.
The garden will also feature a timber pergola, a water butt, colourful shade sails, and comfy benches, alongside newly planted shrubs, trees, and plants.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, enthused:
“I’m very excited for the garden to be completed so children, young people, parents and carers can enjoy a new calm and safe green space in north Solihull later this year.”
“The emotional, environmental, and health benefits of the garden are extensive, so we’re really looking forward to our partners and providers using the garden to continue to deliver meaningful and effective support to those who need it most.”
“I’d like to thank the Severn Trent Community Fund for recognising the importance of the Family Hubs to our residents and improving them even more.”
Michelle Walters, Managing Director of ReImagine Me CIC, explained:
“The garden will be a great asset for the local community. We speak to Solihull residents at the Family Hubs on a regular basis so we know that the outdoor space will be massively positive for them.”
“We support people with mental health and addiction issues, so the garden will open up an entirely new dimension for us and other service providers too – a fresh, pleasant place for people to meet, talk, and find out what support is available to them.”
Severn Trent’s funding opportunity was identified and championed by the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability team as part of the Your Future Chelmsley Wood (YFCW) programme, which seeks to improve Solihull residents’ health and wellbeing through sustainability and community‑driven improvements. To find out more, visit www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-chelmsley-wood.
Parking at Riverside Family Hub will be limited whilst the garden is under construction.
