A group of residents are set to re-launch a square and gardens – and are determined to put a “community stamp” on it.
The Friends of Nelson Square Gardens, Nelson Square Gardens tenants’ and residents’ association, Applegarth House tenant management organisation, and Southwark Council have joined forces to re-launch Nelson Square as a community space at a free event on Friday (April 7).
The square was recently in the headlines after a man was stabbed near the playground – but the event organisers are keen to make it clear that it is a safe place for children to play.
Liz Justice, one of the organisers, said: “I’ve lived here for twenty years and this has never happened before. We are not dwelling on it but the reality is it’s a safe place for kids to come and play.”
Southwark mayor Kath Whittam will cut the ribbon to officially open the square at 2.30pm on Friday.
Seven-foot-tall London Lions player Zak Wells, Dean Palmer of Millwall’s Walking Football project, and The Ring boxing club’s head coach Mark Burford will all be there on the day.
There will also be free food, a fairytale garden for young children, a bouncy castle, and face painting by Anna from Smiley Tigers.
“We are going to plant a lot of flowers and are trying to make this a personal space for the community,” Liz added.
“We are determined to put a community stamp on it, it’s our garden and for our kids.”
The event will take place from 2-5pm on Friday at Nelson Square Gardens, on the corner of Blackfriars Road/Surrey Row and Union Street opposite Southwark Tube.
The day went of brilliantly with more than 500 people coming down for the opening with the mayor Kath Whittam. Loads of fun and huge thanks to everyone who shared the experience.