The Gunny, a former military site on Canvey, is set to be completely transformed thanks to a project by mental health charity Trust Links and Canvey’s Big Local Partnership.
Plans to transform the site into a community and environmentally friendly space has been 10 years in the making.
The Gunny site will provide opportunities for people of all ages to connect, engage with nature and enjoy activities in the brand new hub and community garden.
It will feature a community building, children’s play park, outdoor gym, and environmentally friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, trees and wildflower meadow.
Building on Trust Links’s successful Growing Together projects across Essex, the project will introduce a therapeutic gardening project on the site to support local people with their mental health and wellbeing.
During World War II, the Gunny was an Anti-Aircraft Gun Battery and barracks, supporting the defence of London. In the 1960s The Gunny was turned into a park, and in the 1970s it was one of the first skate parks in the UK was built on the site. But over the years, lack of funding has meant the skate park gradually fell into ruin.
Matt King, chief executive of Trust Links, said: “We are delighted to be working with Canvey Island Big Local, Canvey Island Town Council and other partners to develop this amazing project.
“We know that the Hub and Community Garden will be such a valuable resource for local people. We have already raised £690,000 towards the project from Big Local funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and other grants. We are seeking to raise a further £437,000 with the support of corporates, community partners and grant making bodies.”
Trust Links are hosting The Gunny Showcase event on Friday October 20, 5pm to 8pm at the Oysterfleet Hotel, Canvey Island.
The event is an opportunity for local people and businesses to learn more about the transformation, speak to staff, volunteers and local people living on Canvey who have benefited from Trust Links support.
Free tickets can be claimed by visiting www.TheGunnyShowcase.eventbrite.co.uk.
See www.trustlinks.org/gunny-project/.
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