ID028 The Keele Community Garden and Play Space for All

The Idea

Keele University takes pride in its distinctive 600-acre campus, which is central to the student experience and to the University’s identity as a community-focused institution. However, a stretch of land between the Students’ Union and the Keele Observatory currently remains largely unused and poorly maintained. Transforming this area into a welcoming garden and live recreation space would make better use of the estate while strengthening social interaction among students, staff, and local residents.

The space could be designed as a flexible outdoor hub featuring covered and open seating areas, landscaped gardens, and informal play facilities. Ideas such as a large outdoor chessboard, table-tennis tables, a small performance or dance area, and sheltered study spots would encourage people to gather throughout the year. Involving the Students’ Union, campus societies, and community groups in the design process would ensure that the facilities reflect real user needs and promote a sense of shared ownership.

Such a development would support wellbeing by providing opportunities for relaxation, creativity, and physical activity close to the academic core of campus. It could also host community events, outdoor markets, or cultural performances, strengthening links between the University and surrounding villages. With relatively modest investment, Keele could turn an overlooked space into a vibrant focal point that enhances campus life and showcases the University’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

The University should consider this idea because it directly enhances student wellbeing, sense of belonging, and community engagement; priorities within Keele’s strategic vision. Transforming an unused area into a vibrant garden and play space would encourage informal interaction between students, staff, and local residents, strengthening social cohesion on campus. Outdoor spaces are proven to support mental health, creativity, and physical activity, complementing academic life. The project would also showcase Keele’s commitment to sustainability and placemaking, improving the visual appeal of the estate for prospective students and visitors. With modest investment, the University could create a lasting, highly visible benefit for the whole community.

How We Would Implement This Idea

Keele could implement the project through a phased, collaborative approach led by Estates, interested staff, and the Students’ Union. An initial consultation with students, staff, and local residents would gather design ideas and ensure the space reflects community needs. Landscape architects and students could then develop a low-maintenance plan incorporating seating, accessible paths, and play features such as a giant chessboard and performance area. Funding could come from a mix of University capital budgets, alumni donations, and sustainability grants. Student societies and volunteers could help with planting and events, while partnerships with local businesses would support long-term maintenance and programming of activities.

What Success Would Look Like

Success would be a lively, well-used outdoor space where students, staff, and community members regularly gather to relax, play, and connect. High footfall, positive feedback, and diverse activities, such as performances, society events, and informal study, would show the area has become a valued part of campus life.

Keele University, as one of Britain’s largest campuses, has many beautiful places to walk and explore, but these are often hidden, off to the side, and disconnected from daily work, study, and campus life. Many car parks and buildings are set within attractive natural surroundings; however, people are effectively surrounded by nature without actively engaging with it. Creating a thoroughfare and social space at the proposed location would help bring these areas into the centre of campus life and into people’s everyday experience.

The project would improve wellbeing and social cohesion while enhancing the appearance of the estate. Success would also include strong community ownership, low maintenance costs, and environmental benefits through planting and biodiversity. Ultimately, the space would become a recognisable symbol of Keele’s commitment to community, sustainability, and student experience.