In November 2025 a new community green space for young people was developed. The youth-led project aims to create a community garden space planned, designed and delivered by a group of young people and students, created for future generations of learners. The location of the National Space Centre was chosen as a city central hub for local communities, young people, and wildlife to thrive, grow and evolve.
Space to Grow is an example of meaningful community engagement, building confidence and connection amongst young people from a highly deprived area of Leicester city, located right by the river. In partnership with the Restoring the Soar project, the location and goals of the project marry the community-led ethos and rewilding of urban spaces together.
The impact of the project has been felt widely, withthose involved in the project commenting on their newfound confidence, purpose and sense of belonging - the youngest participant on the programme, who suffers greatly with a speech impediment and social anxiety, stated that the pond installation day was "the best day of their life"!
Since the project began there has been a significant decrease in littering in the immediate vicinity around the garden! The space has welcomed thriving wildlife to the area, includuing a family of blue tits that have taken up residence in the space's bird box, shoots have began to grow along the living willow hedge, and the pear tree has got stronger and began to bear fruit!
Space to Grow has brought together wildlife and community - engaing young locals in book and seed swaps at our community library box, and there has even been an ESA astronaut who has stopped by to visit and plant Cosmos seeds!
For more information
National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Space City, Leicester, LE4 5NS
For more information: https://www.spacecentre.co.uk/
Call: +44 116 261 0261 or email: info@spacecentre.co.uk