Blackpool Coastal Housing (BCH) is celebrating after a transformed garden within our Supported Accommodation won the overall 'New Roots' Award at this year's Blackpool in Bloom Awards.
The award recognises an inspiring community project that saw an ordinary outdoor space transformed into a beautiful sanctuary for young people through creativity, teamwork and a commitment to sustainability.
The vision began with the idea of creating a welcoming garden for the young people living there to enjoy. With the support of family, friends and businesses who donated materials and items, alongside the enthusiasm and hard work of the team and young people, that vision became a reality.
The upcycled garden now features a range of unique elements including a bug hotel, a journey garden and innovative artwork created from recycled materials, providing a peaceful and engaging environment for young people to enjoy.
The Blackpool in Bloom awards ceremony took place at the Village Hotel on 30th July 2026. One of the young people, Ella, attended alongside BCH’s Young Persons Resettlement Officer, Tanya. Guests were welcomed with refreshments and the opportunity to visit sponsor stalls before the awards presentation began.
The garden was originally shortlisted in the Large Garden and Hanging Baskets categories; everyone was overjoyed when BCH was announced as the winner of a new category - the New Roots Award.
With a record-breaking 70 applications received this year, the highest number Blackpool in Bloom has ever received, the award was a significant achievement.
Ella and Tanya were invited to the stage to receive the award and certificate from The Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Danny Scott, and Mayoress, Councillor Michele Scott.
Judges praised the project, describing it as:
- "The most beautiful relaxing environment for young people"
- A "beautiful and creative use of recycled items"
- A "calming sanctuary"
- "A breath of fresh air"
- "Amazing artwork and creativity"
Reflecting on the event, Tanya said:
"It was a very lovely afternoon filled with lots of beautiful gardens and people wanting to make Blackpool a better place to live."
The success of the project is a testament to the dedication and creativity of everyone involved.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Hazel, the Team Leader, her team and the young people living in our home. They had a vision and made it happen. Together they have created a beautiful space for the young people who live there today and for future young people to enjoy for years to come. Winning the New Roots Award is wonderful recognition of all the hard work, imagination and community spirit that went into transforming the garden.Dionne Nicholson, BCH’s Registered Service Manager
