Excellence in Galvanizing
Humber Galvanizing welcomed a new tenant to operate an innovative Urban Agriculture Project from vacant development land behind its plant in Hull.
'Rooted in Hull' came about following Hull City Council’s initiative to build an inner city farm to educate local communities about self-sufficiency as an alternative to food banks.
The project’s managers, Adrian Fisher and Mark Cleaver, began a feasibility study on potential sites and spotted a patch of vacant land behind Humber Galvanizing, in Citadel Way.
They were delighted when the plant welcomed the idea and agreed to lease their available land.
Adrian said: “Humber Galvanizing was the first company to say yes to our idea and, since then, we’ve been delighted to see other companies follow their lead, particularly as it’s a big part of their corporate social responsibility.
“The idea is that everything we operate is movable; we’re effectively looking after the land at Humber Galvanizing for the period we’re there and, when the lease is up or they need the land back, we’ll move to the next location.”
The land is now home to four shipping containers, each of which have been kitted out with facilities for growing vegetables. A further three containers are due to arrive soon to house a café and shop.
'Rooted in Hull' are also exploring LED lights to support vegetable growing and have secured funding for solar panels to meet their aim of being as ‘off the grid’ as possible.
The initiative is primarily funded by The Rank Organisation and led by Adrian and Mark, whose backgrounds span agriculture and community work, as well as two other directors who support the initiative on a largely voluntary basis.
“The concept is very much about connecting people back to food and providing that vital education around where food comes from, how it’s grown and how we can live more sustainability, particularly in terms of reducing reliance on food banks as a long-term solution,” said Adrian.
“We’re working closely with Hull College students as well as local residents and members of the community who may be the most excluded in society.”
By Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd