Your Place, Reimaging Our Space Launches with Strong Community Support

Ards and North Down Borough Council has officially launched Your Place, Reimaging Our Space, a new PEACEPLUS-supported community growing and skills development programme designed to bring people together through shared activity, learning and the creation of welcoming outdoor spaces.

The launch event, held on 9 June in the Castle Chamber, brought together community gardeners, Community Sheds, volunteers, and partner organisations. Guests heard from project speakers who outlined how the programme will help strengthen community connections, support local skills and create new opportunities for people to engage with nature and with each other. Participants also took part in discussions that will help shape the next stages of delivery, ensuring the programme reflects the needs and ambitions of local groups.

Over the next two years, the programme will establish a learning network linking community gardens, allotments and sheds across the Borough. It will support the creation of new growing spaces, offer hands‑on workshops in food growing, biodiversity and practical skills, and provide opportunities for cross‑border learning and cultural exchange. The initiative will also contribute directly to the Council's Let's Grow Together Strategy, which highlights the importance of accessible growing spaces and the role they play in community wellbeing, environmental awareness and local resilience.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney said:

"This programme as an important investment in people and place. It emphasises its potential to strengthen relationships, build confidence and create shared spaces that everyone can enjoy."

A summary of the programme's aims, strategic alignment and delivery approach was shared with attendees, marking the beginning of an ambitious and collaborative two‑year journey.

For more information on this project, or if you or your group would be interested in being a part of the project, visit https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Your-Place-Reimaging-Our-Space

This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.