Work is now complete on St Luke’s 1^st floor terrace on Central Street providing a new garden space for use by the local community. An opening ceremony took place on Wednesday 19^th September led by St Luke’s Trustee Debra Mendes. Local residents, members, project funders, staff and volunteers were all present, and Cllr Claudia Webbe spoke to formally open the space. 

St Luke’s successfully raised a total of £45,000 from generous funders, including The Clothmakers’ Foundation, LBI as part of Section 106, The Beatrice Laing Trust and WG Edwards Charitable Foundation.

The terrace had previously been used by the Over 55s members since 2010, and the volunteer Gardening Group used pots and plants to transform it into a tranquil urban oasis, winning several awards (see notes). The Centre was advised in 2016 it needed strengthening, and planning permission was granted to turn it into a usable roof terrace open to the community.

St Luke’s CEO Michael Ryan says: “Thanks to the generosity of donors, Islington now has another peaceful, safe, green space for local residents. Islington has less outdoor green space than other London boroughs, therefor St Luke’s is delighted to offer another outside space for members, especially those who live in local housing without a garden or balcony, and those who are elderly or have mobility issues.”

About the Roof Terrace: Our volunteer gardening group created an urban oasis with decorative   flowering plants, shrubs, climbers and even a fig tree and as a direct result has won four awards:

1. London in Bloom 2017 Silver Gilt Award
2. Britain in Bloom 2017 It's your Neighbourhood Award of Level 4 Thriving
3. Islington in Bloom 2017 Gold Award Best Community Garden in recognition of the standard achieved in helping make our Borough greener and brighter in 2017
4. Islington in Bloom 2018 Gold Award Best Community Garden.