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KNOCKNAGAEL GREEN HUB

LOCATION : INVERNESS, SCOTLAND

DATE : 2024 – 2025

PROJECT TYPE : COMMUNITY ALLOTMENTS / GROWING SPACES

COLLABORATION : NARRO ASSOCIATES / HARLEY HADDOW / THOMSON GRAY

PHASE OF WORK : TECHNICAL DESIGN (RIBA STAGE 4)

The Knocknagael Green Hub project has been driven by a group of committed volunteers over the last decade with the intention of establishing growing spaces and allotments for the benefit of the local community in the south of Inverness. Iglu were brought on board in 2024 to develop detailed designs for Phase One of the project and to prepare a planning application package to submit to Highland Council.

With the continuing expansion of housing developments throughout Inverness (one of Europe’s fastest growing cities), the objective of the Knocknagael Green Hub is to encourage more individuals to grow and enjoy locally sourced produce, while providing a rural sanctuary amidst an increasingly urban environment.

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BIRDSEYE VIEW OF THE KNOCKNAGAEL GREEN HUB

KNOCKNAGAEL GREEN HUB MASTERPLAN 

The Green Hub masterplan illustrates an ambitious and vital community resource, providing a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive greenspace on the site of a former agricultural field previously used as part of the Scottish Government owned bull stud farm.
The design has been developed to create spaces that foster community interaction, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance health and well-being for all users. It prioritises accessibility, social cooperation, and ecological diversity, integrating various features that serve both practical and recreational purposes.

EXISTING GREEN NETWORK + PROPOSED WOODLAND

PROPOSED WILDFLOWER MEADOWS

EXISTING + PROPOSED PATH NETWORK

EXISTING + PROPOSED ROAD NETWORK

PROPOSED ALLOTMENTS

PROPOSED COMMUNITY HUB

PROPOSED ORCHARD

PROPOSED FUTURE EXPANSION

The allotments will offer a range of individual and shared growing spaces, allowing community members to cultivate their own produce. These plots vary in size to accommodate different levels of gardening expertise and space requirements, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to experienced gardeners, can participate. Three wheelchair accessible timber raised beds are included for individuals with mobility impairments, promoting inclusivity.

SECTIONS ACROSS THE SITE

A water network has been designed to provide 5 standpipes at the green hub gathering area and entrance to the allotments, with a further 12 mains-fed water butts provided within the allotments area, ensuring that access to water is never further than 30m away. Each plot holder will also be responsible for their own rainwater harvesting (through rainwater barrels) and individual composting.
The allotments are bordered by a native hedgerow, with species selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate, attract pollinators, provide food and habitat for wildlife and contribute to the overall ecological health of the area. Species such as crab apple Malus sylvestris, bird cherry Prunus avium and dog rose Rosa canina will provide attractive blossoms, colour and fruits while guelder rose Viburnum opulus and dogwood Cornus sanguinea will also provide seasonal interest.

VISUALISATION OF THE ALLOTMENTS AREA

VISUALISATION OF THE CROP GROWING AREA

Beyond the many health and well-being benefits for individuals and communities, sustainable local agriculture provides an invaluable template for the future. With the growing impacts of climate change, global conflict, and economic inequality, ensuring food security is fundamental to our long-term survival.
The ethos of the project is to emphasise water conservation, waste reduction, and energy efficiency to ensure that the Green Hub remains an environmentally responsible greenspace.
The Green Hub is designed to be a welcoming, accessible, and ecologically rich space that encourages community participation, promotes sustainable living, and strengthens social ties. By combining growing spaces, native planting, accessible paths, and areas for social interaction, the site will become a vibrant hub for local residents to connect with nature, each other, and their shared environment.