The VACANT LOT programme transforms neglected and unused spaces on inner city housing estates into environments that now provide neighbourhoods with the most basic of requirements: outside space, a place grow food and a place to socialise. In deprived urban areas across London where space is limited small pockets of vacant land are made accessible and are occupied by bespoke design elements that enable new communal use. Projects investigate forms of neighbourhood engagement and aim to start a processes of sustainable change.

What if: projects have been mapping vacant and neglected spaces that surround inner city housing estates in London. Since 2005 the team has drawn attention to these areas and has been investigating strategies for how these unloved spaces can be appropriated to accommodate the needs of the local population.

The first Vacant Lot allotment on a housing estate in Hoxton was realised as a temporary intervention featuring bulk bags as growing containers and has since through considerable media attention inspired many similar low budget communal projects. Since June 2007, this formerly inaccessible piece of land continues to be used as an allotment by the local community. Residents are carefully tending a spectacular array of vegetables, salads, fruit and flowers and in addition insects and birds have moved in and thrive in this new natural habitat. VACANT LOT has become a place for meeting neighbours, BBQs’, sitting in the sun, playing and gardening.

Based on the experience and popularity of the first VACANT LOT garden, in 2009 What if: projects formed a partnership with a team of gardeners from Groundwork London to create 20 new food growing spaces on deprived housing estates across London. This three-year project received funding from the Big Lottery’s Local Food programme and match funding was secured from six social housing landlords.

As part of the Vacant Lot programme What if: projects develop layouts and design bespoke planters, water towers, sheds, furniture and greenhouses to a level of detail associated with luxury housing or shop fitting. Instead of introducing heavy almost bulletproof elements, that are typical of many housing estates improvement works, the VACANT LOT approach seeks to create shared spaces with sensual qualities and introduces care, special moments, seasonal change and fragility.

The VACANT LOT projects development, implementation and maintenance rely on the sustained collaboration between local residents and the estate management supported by a team of gardeners who facilitate horticultural training sessions and the formation of gardening groups.

The construction of the projects relies on partnerships with Camden Jobtrain, the King’s Cross Construction Skill Centre, Hackney College and volunteers.