A tarmac-covered rooftop car park in Warrington that was transformed into a green space has won Gold at the Green Apple Environment Awards, presented at Kensington Palace.
The Sky Garden, developed by Golden Square Shopping Centre in partnership with Warrington Museum, was recognised in the Retail Community Partnerships category for its innovative transformation of an urban space.
Once a blank rooftop, the garden is now a place where local schools, families and groups can engage with nature, learn new skills and enjoy fresh produce grown by volunteers.
Located at the heart of Warrington town centre, the Sky Garden is a living addition to Warrington Museum’s natural history work, featuring wildflower beds, a pond and bug houses.
The project has supported local biodiversity and contributed to the community by encouraging new ways to use urban spaces. Volunteers use the iNaturalist app to log sightings of wildlife, adding valuable data to local records.
Competing against more than 1,200 nominations, the Sky Garden stood out for its creativity, impact and ability to inspire others. Organised by The Green Organisation, an independent group promoting environmental best practices, the Green Apple Awards celebrate projects that make a meaningful difference.
With plans to expand the garden next spring, Golden Square and Warrington Museum aim to grow its role as a place for learning, wellbeing and biodiversity in Warrington.
For more information, visit Golden Square’s website or Warrington Museum’s website.