This Leeds community garden was transformed in 90 hours - due to a bit of teamwork

Caddick Construction, the Yorkshire-based builder currently on site, has been working with volunteers alongside Cross Green Growing Together, a vital local community charity.

Over the course of two days, the team volunteered 90 hours to transform the grounds of the community garden, creating safer and more accessible pathways for local residents and visitors. The improvements made will help ensure the space can be fully enjoyed by the entire community for years to come.

The team of volunteers included the Caddick site team, along with three of its apprentices, currently working on SOYO Block D, Moda Living’s first student development.

Caddick was also joined on site by supply chain partners from Northfield Construction, Keyline Civils Specialists and James Burrell Builders Merchant.

Cross Green Growing Together is a community charity in Cross Green, Leeds, dedicated to supporting local residents by bringing people together through gardening, social activities, learning and wellbeing programmes.

Through activities ranging from community gardening and family sessions to holiday activities and digital skills workshops, their work is instrumental in reducing isolation, improving health and strengthening community connections within Cross Green.

Kelly Ramsden, Community Development Officer, Cross Green Growing Together, said: “As a charity with limited resources, improvements like this can often feel out of reach. During Caddick's volunteer month, the team proactively reached out to us and generously gave their time to level our garden paths, making the space safer and accessible for wheelchair users.

“The standard of work was outstanding and communication was faultless from start to finish. We can’t thank them enough.”

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, commented: “Giving back to the local communities in which we work is a big focus of our ESG Strategy, Places for Life, and ensures our projects leave a lasting, positive social legacy.

“Organisations like Cross Green Growing Together are the heart of the local community, and are a valued support for local people. The work completed by our team at Cross Green will make a real difference to the accessibility of the community garden, enabling more people to benefit from the amazing work the charity does.”

SOYO is the £300 million pound project creating a new neighbourhood at the heart of Leeds’ cultural quarter. The development is transforming the views along the Headrow within the city, and borders some of the city’s largest and most creative establishments including Leeds Playhouse, Leeds College of Music, BBC Studios and Northern Ballet.