An abandoned industrial factory in Cotmanhay has been reborn as a lush community garden and day centre, offering a lifeline to people recovering from addiction and homelessness. The Growing Lives facility, run by Derventio Housing Trust, recently hosted its first open day since before the pandemic, revealing a vibrant green space that many local residents never knew existed.
A Hidden Oasis Reopens to the Community
The transformation of the old factory into a thriving hub includes a bike workshop, an art studio, and a fully equipped kitchen. These spaces are designed to help participants rebuild their lives through practical skills and creative expression. During the open day, neighbours who had passed the site daily expressed surprise at the beauty and scale of the project.
Linda Burns, Erewash deputy mayor and Cotmanhay councillor, described the site as a little oasis. You wouldn't believe we were in Cotmanhay, she said, praising the incredible work being done with service users.
Supporting Hundreds Across the Region
Derventio Housing Trust provides accommodation and support for approximately 1,200 people each year across five counties, many of whom would otherwise be homeless. At Growing Lives, participants attend five days a week, engaging in gardening, woodwork, and art while receiving dedicated mentoring from staff.
Cllr Josy Hare, representing Awsworth Road ward, admitted she passed the site daily without realising its beauty. The work they've put in and the funding they have got and continue to get – it's wonderful for this community, she said.
Community and Participant Reactions
John White DL, from the Derbyshire Lieutenancy office, noted the facility's necessity and impact. Over the years, I've seen many social not-for-profit organisations, and it's really a pleasure to see this working. The garden is incredible and the workshop to die for, he said, adding that the team is doing a good job satisfying that need.
Canon Romita Shrisunder from Derby Cathedral expressed being overwhelmed by the love, care, passion and commitment to seeing people flourish. The facility is deceptive from the outside, but the beauty and size inside are remarkable, she noted.
David Webb, a project participant, said Growing Lives gives him a daily objective and focus. Coming here gives me an objective, something to focus on, somewhere to come five days a week and be part of something. I think it's undervalued. This open day is putting it on the map, he said.
A Vision for the Future
Sarah Hernandez, managing director of Derventio Housing Trust, expressed delight at the community turnout. It's a highly valued project that's giving people vital skills to rebuild their lives and see a brighter future. Participants have worked very hard to create a beautiful, flourishing garden that's really transformed an old factory space into somewhere that's very valued by a lot of people in Cotmanhay, she said.
The open day marked a milestone for Growing Lives, showcasing how a derelict building can become a cornerstone of support and renewal for the entire community.
