Congratulating Viewpark Gardens Trust on Successfully Securing the Viewpark Gardens Lease

That the Parliament congratulates Viewpark Gardens Trust on securing a five-year lease to re-open the much-loved Viewpark Gardens; understands that the board of the trust has been tirelessly campaigning, since early 2019, to prevent the loss of the garden complex, after the local authority announced its permanent closure, and that it submitted a community asset transfer in 2020, which was initially rejected by North Lanarkshire Council and later appealed under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015; believes that the trust's use of the Act has paved the way for others, and that this example proves that the legislation allows local groups and charities to take on unused community assets, securing and restoring them for future generations; applauds the trust, which has over 1,000 members, for what it sees as its tireless efforts in overcoming numerous hurdles to appeal, negotiate and secure a fair lease for the gardens; believes that this remarkable achievement, by a small group of dedicated campaigners, serves as an exemplar of community activism; understands that the initial closure of the gardens, which is home to rare plants, orchids, and over 60-year-old cacti, was a devastating loss to the community, and believes that the overwhelming positive response to the lease reflects the community's deep appreciation for the gardens; commends the trust’s determination and its plans to restore the land into a cherished community space and as a place for the community to enjoy nature; looks forward to seeing Viewpark Gardens revitalised as a vibrant and beloved part of the community, and applauds the trust and wishes it every success in its exciting endeavours.