The former site of an Esso garage was transformed into a community garden by local residents and opened on May 24th 2009. “A place for meeting and greeting, reflection and relaxation and grubbying around in the wholesome earth,” according to the website. Brighton, United Kingdom, 17/03/2010.
In August 2009, without the knowledge of local residents or discussions at council planning committee meetings, permission was given for the land to be turned into 7 flats and 2 retail units. One of these units was to be a Tesco Express supermarket which angered many residents, especially as there is already a co-op next door. 3,000 people signed a petition to keep the garden operational and began a ‘say no to Tesco on Lewes road’ campaign.
Many events are held in the garden, which is open daily, such as film screenings, gardening days and yoga classes. It is also a focus point for the community and an example of people joining together and winning against superstore expansion. A current events schedule can be found on their facebook page.
