Cheltenham and Göttingen grow together with a collaborative garden

Cheltenham Borough Council, along with the Friends of Sandford Park, Cheltenham International Partnerships Association and representatives from its twin town, Göttingen, Germany, are proudly working to revitalise the Göttingen Garden in Sandford Park.

The project marks a collaborative effort to modernise and refresh this cherished space, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and biodiversity, and honours the 75th anniversary of the twinning agreement signed in 1951 between the councils of Cheltenham and Göttingen.

With the support of Ubico, volunteers from Friends of Sandford Park and Cheltenham International Partnerships Association worked alongside Council staff to plant a diverse selection of flora designed by officials from the Göttingen Council. This transformation was made possible by a £1,100 grant from Cheltenham Borough Council’s Community Pride Fund, secured through the efforts of the Friends of Sandford Park.

The end of May witnessed a special visit by the Mayor of Göttingen, who participated in a formal turf-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the project. This event was a highlight of the ongoing collaboration between the Friends of Sandford Park, Cheltenham International Partnerships Association and Cheltenham Borough Council’s green space development team.

Earlier this year, the site saw the planting of thousands of crocuses, and further enhancements are planned, including a stone seat with a commemorative plaque, all based on a planting scheme provided by Göttingen.

This initiative celebrates the 75th anniversary of the enduring friendship between the two communities and reflects a shared commitment to fostering cultural and environmental ties.

Councillor Steve Harvey, cabinet member for waste, recycling and green open spaces, said: “This project not only beautifies Sandford Park, but is a symbol of our shared values and deepens the bond between our two towns, celebrating a legacy of friendship and cooperation. I would like to thank the Friends of Sandford Park for their invaluable contribution and all their hard work on this project.”

Councillor Angie Boyes, chair of Cheltenham International Partnerships Association, said: “This garden is a testament to the loyal and lasting friendship between our towns. In Göttingen, a central park named Cheltenham Park mirrors this gesture, reinforcing Göttingen's status as Germany's second greenest city.”

Anne Evans from Friends of Sandford Park said: “Our local community wishes to restore each of the 7 areas of Sandford Park which in 1951 were established to celebrate international collaborations between Cheltenham and its partner and friendship towns.

“Gӧttingen was Cheltenham’s first partner town and so became our first to restore. It was a great collaborative effort between our charity, Gӧttingen, the Council and CIPA. The Friends of Sandford Park plan to raise further funds so we can restore the other 6 areas in our park.”

For press enquiries contact: communications team at [email protected] or telephone 01242 264231.

Cheltenham and Göttingen grow together with a collaborative garden

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