Devonport residents have come together to transform a much-loved community centre from “grey to green” during a 24-hour community makeover.
A total of 87 volunteers helped revamp the outdoor space at Mount Wise Neighbourhood Centre, turning a tired area into a greener space for local people to enjoy.
The building, which is used by church groups, playgroups and youth clubs, had previously fallen into disrepair before being taken over by a local community group.
Community effort to restore local hub
The centre is run by Zebra Collective, a Devonport-based group which secured an 11-year lease from Plymouth City Council in 2024 after the building faced possible closure.
Members said restoring the centre was about protecting a space that has long been part of the neighbourhood.
Debbie Freeman, partnership and project lead at Zebra Collective, said residents were determined to bring the venue back into use.
“Having previously been used as a nursery and a much-loved venue for local youth clubs and birthday parties, members of Zebra Collective, alongside residents of Devonport, were determined to bring the building back to life – and that’s what we’re doing using our collective community resources.”
Kate Crawfurd, Mural Artist for the project said:
“This has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on. There’s such a strong sense of community at the centre, it really feels like one big family.
“Co-creating and painting the mural has been a joy and has connected me to the community.”
Together we’ve transformed a drab grey building into a bright, welcoming space that invites people in. Bringing joy and creating pride in places and communities is something I love and am keen to develop further through future projects.”
‘The garden is the heart of our centre’
Local resident Nikky Chapman was among those who took part in the makeover.
She joined the centre’s gardening group last year after looking for ways to meet people and become more involved in the community.
“Our garden is the heart of our centre, and we want to share it with everyone in our community,” she said.
“Since joining the group, I’ve made lifelong friends, and my mental and physical health has improved so much. The outdoors really is nature’s best medicine.”
Greening the space for Devonport
The project was supported by Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, which works with communities across the region to plant trees and improve green spaces.
More than 130,000 trees have been planted across Plymouth and south Devon this season, including oak, birch and fruit trees.
The work took place as Devonport remains among the most deprived areas in England, according to the government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Organisers hope the transformation will help strengthen community life and create a welcoming outdoor space for residents to gather.
