The Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate is one of five estates run by the Retail Trust, for retired retail industry employees. The partnership with Dobbies forms part of the Retail Trust’s £1million renovation of the estate to create a new community hub and creation of a garden space. The garden will feature a pond to encourage wildlife, as well as a space for residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables.
The area will provide residents with a vibrant community hub where they can connect, enjoy the outdoors, positively contributing to their physical and mental health, and helping to tackle the problem of isolation often felt by older or vulnerable people. The addition of the grow-your-own area is designed to foster creativity amongst the group, enhance wellbeing and provide a new outlet for the residents to enjoy garden living.
Three disused spaces, a community café and the Retail Trust’s reception area are all being refurbished to build the new facilities, which will cater for more than 1,000 local people a year and provide more support for those most at risk of isolation and with long-term health needs.
New research from Dobbies by Censuswide found that almost a quarter (24%) of Brits enjoyed gardening because it supported their sense of wellbeing, 41% of respondents who use their garden for activities said being in the garden brightens their mood, and 31% said it improves their mental health.
David Robinson, CEO Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “As a nation of gardeners, we know that being able to enjoy gardens and outdoor spaces can improve our overall health and wellbeing. We’re proud to be partnering with the Retail Trust to provide and help create the garden living spaces for the community at the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate to enjoy. We’re super excited about this project and can’t wait to get started.”
Lawrence Coen, Managing Director Property and Supporting Living, the Retail Trust, added: “Our Newton Mearns estate sits amidst ten acres of beautiful grounds and has a vibrant community, so the added garden and grow-your-own area will fit right into our surroundings and feel of the site. The donation of garden living products and volunteer hours from the Dobbies team will result in our residents and other local people being able to connect with nature, learn new skills, and build a sense of community. We’re excited to nurture our partnership with Dobbies, and see what’s in store for the future.”
The Dobbies Senior Leadership team, Central Support Office and Milngavie store employees, will all be involved in the project which starts during National Gardening Week, and is expected to last through 2024.