Eden Gardens tenants tell their stories at local event | Tenant news

A group of tenants have taken part in a local history event at the Habinteg’s Eden Gardens scheme where they shared memories of living in their Bradford neighbourhood.

The ‘memory bank cafe’ event was organised by a local community interest group, The Neighbourhood Project, which is recording postwar stories from different communities across Bradford, to explore the city’s past as part of Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 programme.

Close-knit community

Margaret, who has lived at Eden Gardens since the day the scheme first opened 24 years ago, says she has enjoyed living in the area and that the years have flown by. 

“Before moving here, I lived on the other side of Bradford for 38 years, so it wasn’t easy moving away from a place I’ve known all my life,” said Margaret.

“It’s a close-knit community here... I’ve found it easy to make friends. Eden Gardens is a lively hub with lots of local groups coming to our communal space for activities and events.”

Margaret, who is a wheelchair user, added: “The accessible features of my home has allowed me to be independent, have a busy social life and I feel safe here.”

Homes enabling independence

Jason, another longtime resident of Eden Gardens - which has 60 accessible homes - spoke about how his wheelchair accessible home has enabled him to get involved in community life.

Jason helps raise money for community projects that Eden Gardens residents take part in, enjoys litter picking in the area and helps organise coffee mornings. 

He is a power wheelchair user and his motto in life is “never stop”.

Thriving social hub

Another Habinteg resident, Sarah, relocated from Bristol to Eden Gardens 10 years ago as it was the closest available scheme for her care requirements. She said: “I’ve made good friends locally and feel part of the community.”

Sarah, who uses a motorised scooter, regularly catches the bus into Bradford to visit the shops and takes part in activities held at the scheme such as knitting classes.

Jonathan Crewdson, Director of The Neighbourhood Project, helped organise the session. He said: “It was great to hear local stories from the tenants and about how the accessibility of their homes has enabled them to be as independent as possible, which is fantastic.”

Habinteg sponsored the ‘memory bank café’, providing event space and funding other event-related costs through its Social Impact Fund.

The ‘memory bank café’ events were inspired by the celebrations for Bradford’s City of Culture status in 2025 . The material collected from the cafes will be used to produce a series of short videos about the post-war history of each neighbourhood which the Neighbourhood Project will share for free on its YouTube channel  and on its Facebook page .

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