Pallet Trucks NI Supports Community Growth With Donation To Brink!

In a move to foster community engagement and green initiatives in Belfast City Centre, Pallet Trucks NI, a leading materials handling equipment supplier, has announced its contribution to the Brink!. The company has donated a pallet truck to aid in the development of a new community and green space in the heart of the city.

Brink! has partnered with Grow NI and quarto to transform a derelict site at the end of Royal Avenue into a vibrant hub where people can come together to explore the diverse heritage of food cultivation and consumption. Named ‘A Growing Story’, the project aims to use the space throughout an entire growing season, showcasing the potential of urban areas for fostering community engagement and sustainability initiatives.

Brink! has secured the use of the council-owned site earmarked for the future Belfast Stories visitor centre, which is to be built from 2026 onwards. In the meantime, ‘A Growing Story’ will use the space to demonstrate the potential of urban areas for fostering community engagement and sustainable practices.

The chosen brownfield site holds significant historical value, bordered by landmarks such as the Central Library, the old newspaper district, and the historic Smithfield Market. With the threat of commercial and housing development looming, the project aims to preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of the area while promoting environmental stewardship in the face of the climate crisis.

At the heart of "A Growing Story" is the creation of an outdoor kitchen, serving as the focal point for a year-long heritage engagement program. This space will facilitate activities such as foraging, planting, harvesting, and communal cooking, fostering a sense of community and connection among participants.

Through guided tours, collaborative mapping, and hands-on activities, the project seeks to build trusting relationships within the community while documenting and interpreting shared heritages for future generations. By embracing the past and harnessing collective knowledge, 'A Growing Story' aims to empower individuals and communities to navigate the challenges of the present and future.

Pallet Trucks NI's donation of a pallet truck underscores its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote community well-being and environmental sustainability. As the project unfolds, it is hoped that ‘A Growing Story’ will serve as a beacon of inspiration for similar endeavours across the city and beyond.

The project has been made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).