A group campaigning for a green space on a High Street site has launched a fundraiser inviting residents to contribute towards a ‘virtual square foot’ of land.
Warminster Community Green has divided the land next to St Lawrence Chapel into virtual squares as part of its efforts to raise enough money to buy the site and create a garden for the public to enjoy.
People can buy a virtual square foot for £25 and place their virtual footsteps on the plot. They will receive a certificate confirming their status as a virtual squareholder
Plans to build on the site were submitted to Wiltshire Council in 2024. However, following the demolition of the previous building, some residents called for the land to be retained as open green space to enhance the setting of the neighbouring chapel.
The group believes the owner may be willing to sell the site and is fundraising to try to secure it.
Maggy Daniell from Warminster Community Green said the project presented a rare opportunity to transform part of the town centre. The group hopes to create a landscaped area with grass and trees, alongside a wild garden.
Maggy said, “It’s a legacy project that would enhance the setting of heritage assets like St Lawrence Chapel and surrounding cottages.
“As it’s a commercial site in the town centre, that means we need to raise a fair bit. If we can get residents to join in and invest in the project, and encourage visitors, those who used to live here, local businesses and friends of Warminster generally to do so too, then we should be able to get together about £200,000. That would put us in a good position to ask for match-funding grants from national bodies.”
Smaller contributions are also welcome, with donors receiving a ‘Toehold’ for donations between £10 and £24.
The association said all donations would be protected under its constitution and returned, minus a £5 membership fee, if the purchase could not go ahead.
People who would like to contribute but are unable to donate online can send cheques to the Secretary, Warminster Community Green Association, 26 Smallbrook Lane, Warminster BA12 9HP.
For more information or to donate, visit www.warminstercommunitygreen.org.uk.
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