Early in the 1980’s:
Life as a rubbish tip ends and the site is sealed with a clay cap and laid to grass.
1999:
Kent Gardens Trust approach Canterbury City Council, wishing to work with local people to create a prime amenity and ecology resource on this 18.5 hectare site on the eastern edge of Canterbury.
2001-2002:
The Sturry Road site is suggested as a possibility and a community group is formed. Canterbury City Council provide design expertise and master plan proposals are developed for discussion.
2002:
A master plan is agreed and planning permission is obtained for an ambitious new community park.
2003:
The City Council lease the land to the newly formed Sturry Road Community Garden Trust for a 50 year period.
Funding from Brett Environmental Trust (Landfill Tax Credit Scheme) of £170,000 and a Countryside Agency Doorstep Green Programme grant of £70,000 enable the first phase of earth moving works to be carried out. This creates space for a toddlers play area, a skateboard park, a central arena and a grass football pitch.
2003-2004
£50,000 funding awarded from Living Spaces provides toddlers play equipment and skateboard ramps to complete new facilities.
2004:
The Trust is awarded a grant of £10,000 from People’s Places (New Opportunities Fund) to develop a garden area.
Kent Community Foundation award the Trust £6,500 for the construction of a ‘sports wall’ and play area.
With advice and support from Kent Gardens Ttrust and Canterbury City Council, the Trust enter into a contract with local landscape contractor Deacon Landscape to import surplus soil from development sites in exchange for laying out the park and planting it up.
2005:
A Peoples Millions Award from the Big Lottery Fund provides £58,000 to create an ornamental garden club.
2006:
The garden club is successfully completed and officially opened with a funday event.
2007:
Earthworks to complete the park finish enabling woodland tree planting to be carried out. BMX track is completed. Grand Opening in June 2007.
