BXAG at work Photo: Jez S

Brockley Common is being transformed from a “weedy wasteland” into a beautiful community garden in time for spring.

The Brockley Cross Action Group (BXAG) have been preparing the ground and cleaning up the common next to Brockley train station, ready for the main planting works which will start in April.

Envirowork Lewisham, a social enterprise run by Lewisham residents that provides employment and training to unemployed local people with outdoor and landscaping projects, will also be helping to redevelop the common.

They will be adding compost to the planting beds and putting up protective fencing before the community planting events, currently scheduled for the weekend of  April 17 and 18.

The Brockley Common project is being funded by a grant from the Lewisham Mayor’s Fund, as well as donations from local residents.

Des Kirkland, chair of BXAG which formed in 2000 with the aim to “celebrate, empower and improve the community and environment of Brockley Cross”, said: “Brockley Common is taking shape now. The soil was in very poor condition, it was a derelict site, there was a lot of contamination that had to be removed. Now we have a landscaping artist doing a planting plan. “

The plans include a proposed new piazza area outside the station ticket office and a paved performance area with seating, as well as a water feature and central sculpture.

Local residents can view the plans for Brockley common on the Brockley Cross Action Group website.