About
The Melbourne Park Allotment site consists of approximately 125 plots to the North East of Chelmsford. The site is owned by Chelmsford City Council and comprises of quarter plots, half and full plots of 10 rods (approximately 80ft x 30ft). The site can be accessed via Hobart Close, with a second access in Highfield Road with on site car parking facilities at either end of the site.
The Association is open to plot holders and local residents (non plot holders) as Associate members at a cost of £3.00 per annum.
The allotments have been established for over 75 years, and in fact can trace its initial origins to 1938. A trading hut supplying most horticultural supplies to members is available, and has existed on site in various iterations through it's history. The hut is open from 10am to 11am Saturday and Sunday Mornings.
Melbourne Park Allotments was an active site during the 1960's and 70's and participated across the county in various flower and produce shows. The prowess of some of the members can be witnessed in the number of times Melbourne Park returned with trophies, some of which were retained when the Chelmsford Allotment and Horticultural Association disbanded.
In more recent years, the site has on three consecutive occasions received the plaudits for the best kept large site, judged independently by the City Council.
After a period of dormancy in the late nineties and early noughties, the Allotment Association, together with the trading hut was re established, and during this period of time the allotments have seen significant improvements. This includes the provision of a cabin, electricity in the buildings, a small kitchen, mains toilet, and a meeting room. There are also designated areas for delivery of free fresh manure and wood chippings for use by the allotment plot holders.
During 2009 a storage facility was erected that accommodates bulk items from the trading hut such as straw, compost and fertilisers. In addition to this a major refurbishment to the trading hut now allows a large area for meetings and social events.
Plot holders range from the extremely experienced, to the slightly less so, together with various charitable organisations - for example The Wilderness Foundation which gives the opportunity to various groups and individuals to experience growing your own.
The Association is open to plot holders and local residents (non plot holders) as Associate members at a cost of £3.00 per annum.
The allotments have been established for over 75 years, and in fact can trace its initial origins to 1938. A trading hut supplying most horticultural supplies to members is available, and has existed on site in various iterations through it's history. The hut is open from 10am to 11am Saturday and Sunday Mornings.
Melbourne Park Allotments was an active site during the 1960's and 70's and participated across the county in various flower and produce shows. The prowess of some of the members can be witnessed in the number of times Melbourne Park returned with trophies, some of which were retained when the Chelmsford Allotment and Horticultural Association disbanded.
In more recent years, the site has on three consecutive occasions received the plaudits for the best kept large site, judged independently by the City Council.
After a period of dormancy in the late nineties and early noughties, the Allotment Association, together with the trading hut was re established, and during this period of time the allotments have seen significant improvements. This includes the provision of a cabin, electricity in the buildings, a small kitchen, mains toilet, and a meeting room. There are also designated areas for delivery of free fresh manure and wood chippings for use by the allotment plot holders.
During 2009 a storage facility was erected that accommodates bulk items from the trading hut such as straw, compost and fertilisers. In addition to this a major refurbishment to the trading hut now allows a large area for meetings and social events.
Plot holders range from the extremely experienced, to the slightly less so, together with various charitable organisations - for example The Wilderness Foundation which gives the opportunity to various groups and individuals to experience growing your own.