In the fourth week of our Reinvention Project Spotlight series, we look to The Poppy Factory in Richmond. Following a number of years of fundraising, the scheme reached practical completion last year on the refurbishment of the art deco style factory.
The charity supports veterans with mental and physical health conditions into work. The factory in Richmond directly employs 36 disabled veterans to produce the poppies and wreaths for the Royal Family and The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal. The factory also houses employability and fundraising staff, overseeing a service which has now helped more than 800 disabled veterans into work across the UK. We have been delighted to be involved in such a fantastic project and being able to support such an important and excellent cause.
The site sits in an area of rich urban heritage, close to Kew Gardens a UNESCO world heritage site and the Grade 1 listed nature reserve, Richmond Park. The scheme consisted of the refurbishment of existing office and warehouse space into an accessible, inclusive and educational space for staff, visitors and the disabled veterans who work there. The works looked to sensitively restore the existing building, with a key focus being on a promotion of accessibility in the factory and levelling where possible. It has completely transformed the space and the way in which they use it, and they are delighted with the outcome.
Check out The Poppy Factory
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