As work continues at pace on the redevelopment of The Granges, we recently marked a major milestone with the ‘topping out’ of the first block on 27 June. Alongside the building work, we've also been busy working with our partners to improve vital community spaces, welcoming a group of aspiring young builders to the site and much more.
Each of the community stories below were funded through our social value programme, which is a way companies and partners involved at The Granges can give back to the local community
A fresh new look for The Granges Community Room
In early May, The Granges Community Room was reopened after an exciting makeover completely transforming the space into a vibrant, practical and welcoming hub for the local community.
One of the standout features is the colourful artwork displayed throughout the room, created by residents who took part in our 'I Matter' workshops. Their creativity has helped bring the space to life, making it a true reflection of the community that uses it. Since reopening, the room has received plenty of compliments from residents and Abri partners alike.
Thank you to our partners who funded this project, including Daring Designs, Hillingdon Flooring, Hill Group, Rund, A&A Business, Forbo, Crown Paint and MDB LTD Decorating.
Dedworth Library secures funding to continue Sunday opening
Thanks to a £1,600 contribution from Claranet, our technology provider, Dedworth Library will be able to continue opening on Sundays for another year. Serving one of the most disadvantaged communities in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the library plays a vital role as a trusted local hub where people can access information, support and opportunities to learn.
The extended opening hours will make it easier for local residents, including those living at The Granges, to visit the library at times that fit around their work, family and other commitments. We estimate that Abri customers alone will make around 1,500 Sunday visits each year, borrowing approximately 2,500 books and other items.
For families, young people and older residents, those extra hours mean greater access to books, digital resources and support services that can help build skills, support wellbeing and open up new opportunities.
Queensmead School site visit
Recently, we welcomed 10 students from Queensmead School, a specialist school for pupils with complex educational needs in Windsor, for an exciting visit to The Granges. During the tour, led by Hill Group, students learned more about the redevelopment, viewed project renderings and discovered some of the many roles involved in bringing a construction project to life.
To make the visit even more interactive, students were given a bingo card and challenged to spot different features around the construction site, with a prize for the first person to complete it. The tour finished back at the site office, where the budding builders were tasked with planning their own development, encouraging them to think about what needs to be considered at the start of a construction project.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, particularly the site bingo challenge, and we look forward to welcoming them back to see how the development progresses over the coming months.
A revitalised outdoor space for Age Concern Windsor
Age Concern Windsor, a local charity providing a range of services and activities for older people across Windsor, has benefited from a transformed outdoor space thanks to support from Carey’s, our partner responsible for groundworks at The Granges.
The charity’s existing patio had become increasingly difficult to maintain, with weeds and tree roots regularly breaking through the surface. This created uneven ground and potential trip hazards for visitors, while the lack of shade meant the space was often too hot to use comfortably during the summer months.
The improvements have not only addressed these issues but have also opened up new opportunities for Age Concern Windsor to make greater use of the space. Plans are already underway for volunteer gatherings, including a barbecue, while the charity is looking at adding new plants and decorative features to create an even more welcoming environment.
And the clients of Age Concern Windsor are already looking forward to using the new space, with one commenting: “I always like outside space that I can get to without baking. Looks comfortable. Not been out yet but I will now”, and another saying: “Pleased as I didn’t sit out before but looks lovely now, thank you. It’s a big improvement.”
Some other recent highlights from The Granges
Employment opportunities
49 people in and around Windsor have so far been employed to work on site at The Granges. If you are looking for work, work experience or apprenticeships in construction please contact Hill at residents@hill.co.uk
Recent charitable donations
As part of our social value programme, we also recognise charitable donations as contributions to the community. Recently:
- 3 new double buggies worth £525 donated by RUND, and £800 worth of clothes, baby essentials and toiletries from Hill and Careys were donated to The Baby Bank. These essentials will be given to families with young children experiencing hardship.
- A £120 donation to Windsor Foodshare to pay for the essential additions of fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs which accompany the ambient food parcels at easter was given by 3D Personnel.
- Two reconditioned laptops were donated by Hill Group to West Windsor Hub, supporting local residents who need digital access.