Stockwell Centre launches sustainable teaching garden

Yesterday, Morley College London’s Stockwell Centre has officially launched its brand-new sustainable teaching garden, a green space right in the heart of South London! 

This exciting project isn’t just about growing plants – it’s about growing opportunities, supporting local people, and bringing the community together. The garden will host short courses to inspire people to get started with horticulture, while also creating pathways into green jobs.

A green oasis in the heart of South London

This hidden garden at the back of the Stockwell Centre is a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As well as a green space to unwind, the teaching garden is an accessible space to discover the joy of growing plants and vegetables – the result of a partnership with Bankside Open Spaces Trust, funded by the Local Schools Improvement Fund. 

What makes it even more special is its role in creating employment opportunities for those looking to break into the green sector, especially for people who have been out of work for a long time.

Bushra Iqbal, Vice Principal (Curriculum Impact) and Centre Principal, Waterloo Centre for Adult Education who has been deeply involved in the project, shared her excitement:

“It’s amazing to see this garden come to life! It’s like a little oasis right in the middle of South London. Before, we had a garden, but now it’s open to so many more people, with a much bigger impact. It’s a space for students and residents to come together – not just for wellbeing, but also for learning and job opportunities. This is a massive step forward!”

Design for accessibility and sustainability

Helen John, landscape architect and project manager at Bankside Open Spaces Trust, led the way in designing the garden in collaboration with Morley. Drawing inspiration from the RHS Wisley gardens, the team worked with sustainable and cost-effective principles to create a beautiful yet functional space.

One of the standout features is the crop rotation system – a smart way of planting that keeps the soil healthy and reduces plant disease. Accessibility has been a top priority, with raised beds, wheelchair-friendly pathways, and even sensory planting designed for visually impaired visitors. Plus, sustainability is at the heart of the design, with recycled materials used wherever possible, from safety surfacing repurposed from an old nursery to upcycled timber used in construction.

A Hub for learning and community engagement

Helen says “This garden is so much more than a pretty space – it’s going to be a hub for learning, creativity, and community building. Morley College London will be running gardening courses from the site, giving local people hands-on experience and skills they can take forward.

Bankside Open Spaces Trust will also be using the space as part of their Future Gardeners programme – an initiative that helps people into green careers with an impressive 70% of programme graduates finding employment.”

The Stockwell Centre’s new garden is open to all, if you are around the area feel free to visit the garden!