Transformation of derelict land into city farm enterprise nears completion
An innovative project which is transforming vacant land in Hull into a unique micro-agriculture enterprise in the heart of the city in nearing completion.
Rooted in Hull is an urban farm project, currently in construction at the derelict dry dock in St Peter’s Street in the city centre.
The scheme, which recently reached its one-year milestone, has received support from more than 30 businesses and organisations from Hull and the surrounding area and has been developed to introduce a community space for the growing of fresh fruit and vegetables and rearing livestock.
It aims to help local people learn more about food and nutrition, farming and distribution.
Students from Hull College have been working on the construction and fitting out of two new containers for the project, which will be used as a café and shop, selling fresh produce grown on the farm.
The new containers have received support from several businesses, including Jewson, Moduflow, Bonus Electrical, CFI Flooring, Humber Wood Recycling, and Century Containers.
The project has been supported throughout by construction firm Hobson & Porter.
Last month, the new containers were delivered from Hull College’s construction site to the Rooted site and the project is expected to be complete and fully open to the public in spring.
Adrian Fisher, co-founder of the Rooted in Hull project, said: “Our aim is to help people improve their understanding of food and get them involved in the process of growing fresh fruit and vegetables, to encourage a healthier, happier way of living and fight to end food poverty.
“Rooted in Hull is not just about ‘greening the city’ or tackling food poverty, it is centred around education, employment and creating a more robust workforce. Local businesses are interested in investing in the health and wellbeing of potential local employees, as well as economic stability and a big part of tackling this is to get more people back into work or onto new career paths. We’ve worked closely with Hull College and local businesses and organisations to provide opportunities for people to play their part in this community-focused project.
“We’ve had help from a fantastic team of volunteers, who have tirelessly to kit out the site gardens with raised beds, paths, polytunnels, plants and much more. We’re indebted to all of the organisations that have come together to contribute and look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Dave Blades, business development director for Hobson & Porter, said: “We’ve been involved in the Rooted in Hull scheme from its conception so it’s great to see it progressing towards completion. It will have many benefits for the city of Hull and its communities, from educating people on food choices, health and wellbeing to creating work and volunteering opportunities for local people.
“It is a fantastic social enterprise project and one that we were keen to support by drawing on our relationships with other local supply chain companies. We’ve been incredibly pleased with the response we’ve had, and the generous donations made, it really shows the sense of community spirit in our region.”
He added: “This project also runs alongside our Foundations initiative, which aims to provide opportunities for people to gain valuable experience in the construction industry in order to bridge the skills gap and inspire more young people to start a career in construction.”
