Thornes Park plant nursery set to be loaned to Wakefield College

A plant nursery in a city park is set to be loaned to Wakefield College for a training project.
Thornes ParkThornes Park
Thornes Park

Wakefield Council’s Cabinet are being asked to agree to lease part of Thornes Park nursery to Wakefield College, to support a number of apprentices and students in gaining skills and qualifications.

Developing and up-skilling young people within the district is a key priority for the council, which will be aided by the College’s ability to provide academic, social and practicable experience within the park.

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The college also work with a number of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and they wish to use their lease to further engage and develop those from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in academic and social activities within the nursery and around the park.

The college will work alongside and support a number of well-established community and volunteer groups that have already made significant progress in improving the park and will be looking to compliment these existing groups and aid in the maintenance and horticultural management of the park.

The council is looking to develop a Learning Village within the park and the presence of a key educational and skills partner will complement the development significantly. The college has made a commitment to support the Learning Village as well as a community hub or facility within the park through their investment.

Coun Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Wakefield College is a significant key partner in the district who have committed to invest and carry out work in improving the nursery site whilst offering a wide range of young people a chance to develop their skills and education, supporting their development and opportunities to gain future employment.

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“The involvement of the College would also be a substantial milestone in our ambition to develop the Learning Village in the nursery. This would provide artisan services and products whilst promoting education, social benefits and environmental sustainability. The long-term intention is that more groups from different sectors become involved as the Learning Village develops.”

Members of Wakefield’s Cabinet are meeting virtually on Tuesday, December 8 at 10.30am to discuss the plans. The meeting can be watched live or later on the council’s website.