The revamp of an unused piece of land in Lower Clapton into a cherished a community space has been hailed as an inspiration to others.

Hackney Gazette: The new multi-use game area in Charterhouse RoadThe new multi-use game area in Charterhouse Road (Image: Archant)

The overhaul of Charterhouse Road, which was designed and delivered in partnership by Southern Housing Group and environmental regeneration charity Groundwork, won the Transformation Award at Inside Housing’s Sustainable Housing Awards 2013.

Improvements include a community food garden, refurbishment of the community centre, the redevelopment of a multi-use games area, the addition of an outside gym and sports equipment, weekly sporting activities for residents; and the development of a community sports leaders programme which sustain the programme’s legacy.

The judges thought the project offered value for money and a great example of partnership working, and said it should be an inspiration of how transforming a piece of unused land can offer something of value to the local community.

Southern Housing Group invested £100,000 in the

Funding for the redevelopment came from Southern Housing Group, the

Mayor of London’s Facility Fund and the Lottery fund via the Vacant Lot project.