Meanwhile Gardens

Meanwhile Gardens was set up as a community garden along the Grand Union Canal (q.v.) in c.1976 when derelict wasteland and canal side terraces were being cleared. The Grand Union Canal (Paddington Branch) was built in 1800, with workshop industries and cottages developing along the canal. By the late C19th the area was becoming impoverished and small industrial buildings and factories replaced some of the terraces, such as the factory whose chimney remains adjacent to Meanwhile Gardens. This factory was the premises of Chromocine Paints Ltd in 1946 and later Snack Potato Crisps Ltd but by 1969 it was no longer in use, and terraces along Kensal Road were being demolished. Local sculptor Jamie McCullough approached Westminster City Council, within whose boundaries the site then was (now following boundary changes it is within RB Kensington & Chelsea) for permission to turn it into a park. Temporary permission was granted, which led to the name that was given to the garden: Meanwhile Gardens. The derelict factory was used as a base, later repaired by Urban Aid with a new annex for the project.

At that time, in the late 1970s and early '80s, a GLC Planning Group under the direction of Dr John Parker, was involved in the development of several canal-side parks alongside the Grand Union Canal from the East End of London through to Barnsbury. The design and construction of these mini parks was carried out by the GLC Architect’s Department’s Landscape Group, which was led by John Medhurst. Members of the group were assigned to each of the sites and in 1978 David Foreman was responsible for assisting the Meanwhile Gardens volunteers to develop a design for the western and central areas of the garden, which included re-shaping earth mounds, the creation of a pond using Volclay as a base sealant (which allowed water leaking from the canal  to be retained as a water feature), tree and shrub planting, repairs to the canal side walls and the construction of steps to the bridge over the Union Canal. He also arranged and supervised the contract for the works, which were undertaken by Blakedown Landscapes. An opening ceremony was carried out by Lord Birkett, the then Chief Officer of the GLC Parks Department.

Supported by volunteers and a dedicated staff team, Meanwhile Gardens have continued to thrive and the 4 acres of derelict wasteland are an oasis in a densely populated part of North Kensington. There are various landscapes, including a re-landscaped wooded area and wildlife garden with bridge, path, pond and seating, the work undertaken by Planet Earth in 2000 working closely with the local community. At one end of the garden a scented garden was reconstructed and replanted in 2014 as an area for quiet contemplation, on the courtyard garden that was originally laid out by the first volunteers, overlooked by the brick factory chimney built in 1927, one of the last such chimneys along the Paddington Arm of the Canal. The Factory houses work and storage space for the charity, is used by a local steel band The Metronomes, and has a rooftop vegetable plot. At the other end of Meanwhile Gardens is a popular skate bowl. The first skateboard bowl was built by hand and surfaced with the loan of a concrete gun for five days; it was replaced by a new, state-of-the-art design in 2002.

The Playhut was built to provide a safe, stimulating play and learning environment, a service that helps to break down the isolation often experienced by carers of young children. There are opportunities for volunteering and educational schemes, and youth offenders carry out their reparation orders under gardeners’ supervision. The Gardens also participate in the Wildlife Garden Project run by Kensington & Chelsea Mind, working with adults who have experienced mental health difficulties, and using horticultural training and social enterprise to help with recovery and social integration.

Beyond Golborne Road the path meanders along the Grand Union Canal with grassy areas. In November 2007 Meanwhile Gardens won a People's Millions lottery fund grant of £80,000 for its Building Biodiversity Project to provide educational activities, training and involvement opportunities.

Meanwhile Gardens is a membership association and registered charity.