City gardens restored with support from Lancaster University community fund

Storey Gardens in Lancaster city centre was awarded funding to replace sculptures that had been stolen during a refurbishment in 1998.

The new fruit sculptures have now been installed in the Storey Institute Tasting Garden following a recent restoration.

The Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund was established 10 years ago with the foundation of the University wind turbine, and supports initiatives that foster community growth and sustainability.

Each year, the fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster district-based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations, and has created numerous success stories across the area.

Lucas Introna, from the Friends of the Storey Gardens, said: “As a result of this project, we received plenty of positive feedback on the sculptures and the benefit of the space to the community. We also had more volunteers join the group as a result of this project.”

Friends of Storey Gardens have since become a registered charity to help contribute to the long-term sustainability and maintenance of the gardens.

Lancaster University remains committed to empowering more projects like this, encouraging other organisations to apply for the fund and make a lasting difference.