For eight years, HGCA has transformed the abandoned bowling green in Elvet, Durham City, into a vibrant community garden and public park, and now we need your help to secure its future.

We work year-round to protect this vitally needed public green space, support local wildlife, improve biodiversity, and foster a deep sense of civic pride in our community. Every cleared pathway, raised flowerbed, nature walk, and seating area reflects our commitment to this valuable community asset.

HGCA has achieved this transformation with our own resources, without external funding. We have turned a once-overgrown hotbed of antisocial behaviour into a thriving inclusive community space. Yet now, a large part of our beloved park, including the building we plan to convert into a community cafe, is at risk, as the Council seeks to sell it despite the significant improvements and increased value our work has generated.

Despite sustained efforts by HGCA, our MP, and the local community, the Council has failed to acknowledge or respond to our concerns and has proceeded with the sale.

To secure the future of ‘Elvet Green’ park, we are launching this fundraiser to purchase the section of the land the Council have put up for sale. Our bid will combine a fixed monetary offer with significant non-monetary value, reflecting the social, environmental, and cultural benefits HGCA delivers.

Once secured, we plan to renovate the building, complementing the history and heritage of the area, and open a community cafe. The cafe will be a welcoming space for all residents and visitors. While providing high-quality service, it will generate revenue to reinvest into the ongoing redevelopment and maintenance of the park.

As a Community Interest Company (CIC), HGCA will operate under an asset lock, ensuring that any profits are used solely for the benefit of the local community, supporting further improvements to the park, community initiatives, and environmental projects.

By donating, you will directly help HGCA to secure the future of Elvet Green, bring our vision for a community cafe to life, and fund ongoing improvements that benefit everyone in Durham. Every donation, large and small, helps secure Elvet Green for future generations. Join us in making this vision a reality.

100% of the funds generated will be used to purchase and renovate the former WC building on site and pay for any necessary legal challenges required to secure the site for HGCA.

You can learn more about the project and see the park’s transformation via our Facebook page.

Thank you for your support

Simpa Carter

Executive Director

HGCA