Fergus Adams

Independent engineering consulting specialist Dougall Baillie Associates (DBA) is providing technical help and guidance to a group called Grow 73, which is planning the project at Overtoun Park in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire.

The firm has been instructed to help create the shared facilities – close to Rutherglen Lawn Tennis Club, which it is also advising on renovation plans – for Grow 73 by providing access design plans and structural designs for a shelter.

Proposals for the garden include a community area with a biodiversity zone, a woodland zone with a play area for children, a growing zone and a social zone, which would include a picnic area.

The contract is the latest in a series of wins for the East Kilbride-based firm, which employs 41 people and specialises in transportation infrastructure projects, particularly complex motorway and road projects.

Fergus Adams, managing director of DBA, said: “This local group wants the garden to be a lovely addition to Rutherglen’s amenities and it hopes to create a beautiful space for the whole community.

“It has been trying for some years now to secure land for community growing and it was very welcome news when the use of the three dormant bowling greens was approved by the local authority earlier on in the year.”

Recent public interest in growing food, together with more strategic concerns from local and national government regarding food security, has led to increased demand for community gardening projects.

Mr Adams added: “Growing your own food has a number of benefits: keeping food bills lower; improved freshness and flavour; reduced food miles; increased food security; and the positive role of gardening in reducing stress levels and increasing physical activity.

“The team at DBA is very pleased to be able to provide assistance and guidance to a community group which, with the help of its volunteers, has been growing local food for three years and now wants to establish a larger facility.”