From 'Noho' to 'Groho' : ALLOTMENT SUCCESS – 12 November 2009
'Noho Square' building site to be turned into vegetable allotments: Locals are already calling it "Groho Square" By Rosamund Urwin of the Evening Standard
Next year, the flattened "Noho Square" development in Fitzrovia will house temporary allotments after the Standard backed a campaign by residents for the building site to be used for growing fruit and vegetables.
Stanhope, the developer now in charge of the three-acre site, today agreed to make part of the land available for a year.
The Standard reported in April how Rebecca Hossack, a Conservative councillor in Camden, was campaigning to use the former Middlesex Hospital site to address the shortage of allotment space in London.
Ms Hossack, who owns two art galleries in the area, is "delighted" that the plans were coming to fruition, adding: "It wouldn't have happened without the Standard's support."
Residents will use giant "grow bags" filled with soil, donated by waste management company Veolia and manure will be sourced from the North London Waste Authority.
Ms Hossack, 54, said: "This should become a paradigm for vacant urban land across London."
Since the article in April was published, more than 500 people have contacted her to ask for a plot or offer their help with the scheme.
There will be space for around 100 plots, with Stanhope providing water and 24-hour security.
A section will also be loaned to All Souls Church of England Primary School, which looks out on the development, so that the children can learn about food production and healthy eating.
Stanhope still needs to win the approval of Westminster council, but this is expected to be a formality. The site is empty after property developers Candy & Candy pulled out of their "Noho Square" scheme a year ago.