The NEW Story Garden
Our first permanent site, in the heart of Kings Cross
1000 years, 1000 hands
Open as of July 2026, two years after we first gained access, this is our first and only permanent site, so we have the opportunity to grow a 1,000 year vision. Located on York Way, between two train tracks it forms a triangular shape where multiple habitats and ways of growing can be seen.
Co-created with local communities, the site demonstrates different ways of building sustainably, with the majority of materials being either natural or re-used, saving materials that would otherwise be construction waste. It also instils a sense of ownership and leaves a positive long-term legacy.
Making the Garden
The community build programme followed the circular economy model, meaning the majority of materials were either natural or re-purposed, saving materials that would otherwise be construction waste. We saw the build process as a learning tool, showcasing different ways of building sustainably and demonstrating how to reduce our reliance on high carbon materials.
Over 3000 volunteers took part in the build over our community build days and after work volunteer sessions, including twelve trainees who were paid to learn green construction and landscaping skills on the live site. From woodworking, bricklaying, and earth building to permaculture garden design, each cohort focused on different parts of the build and several continued to work with us as part of the build team.
what it was like on site?
We work hard to have an inclusive site culture, open for children and families to learn together. Cassie, ex-fellow and now a member of staff, filmed a video showing the behind the scenes of one of our community build days. Watch more of our Sustainable Build Content.
learning as we go
Each phase of the build programme involved both the trainees and one of our Research Fellows - young people who have come through our education programmes who we have trained in Action Research to support our evaluation and creative documentation. We are also working in partnership with an ecologist to measure the environmental impact that creating the garden will have, and a researcher from Tranquil City to support the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the traineeship programme. Read the reflections of the build team below:
support the garden
The build may be complete but the journey of creating the garden continues. You can support this ongoing work of by donating or joining our volunteer sessions.
Our Community Build was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support our build trainee programme and community build of our permanent home!
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“I can hear the chirping of urban birds over the metallic hum of the overground, heralding the arrival of spring. It feels like a special place, an oasis of hope in a concrete desert. A waste dumping ground, reborn as a garden, a place where plants and children grow together.”
