More than £500,000 is being invested at The Meadows in Hounslow to transform an area with 631 homes. The Green Spaces project, which got underway at the end of 2008, is creating a number of changes that will enhance the quality of life for residents living at Places for People's largest neighbourhood.

Built in 1970-72 and situated close to Heathrow Airport, The Meadows covers an area of 10.1 hectares, of which 4.85 hectares is underused green space of varying sizes.

The aim of the Green Spaces project is to improve the quality of the open space so that residents feel encouraged to spend more time outdoors. It will also help by providing a range of equipped play facilities for young people while bringing the community together through interaction and volunteer work.

Three areas are undergoing significant improvement to provide:

• a large fully-equipped play area and natural play areas for children of all ages incorporating a youth shelter, seating and attractive landscaping - all situated in the centre of the neighbourhood
• a sheltered sensory garden for the benefit of the whole community, particularly for older people and those with limited mobility
• attractive planting in an area which was once hard landscaped.

The scheme also includes new wildflower areas - bringing colour, variety and wildlife to a former bland and disused landscape.

The involvement of the community has been vital to the success of the project, both in the planning of the spaces and their ongoing management. Consultation events and activities have taken place with the local residents association, contributing to the design and implementation of the scheme.

Local volunteers supported by a community gardener have set up a 'gardening group' to help people who find it difficult caring for their garden, and to improve planting in public areas and balconies. Groups of children and adults have also worked with a community artist to create mosaics in paving and seating as well as name signs for housing blocks. Other residents have helped to weave a willow arch which creates an attractive entrance point and play feature for one of the spaces.

A steering group including residents, housing staff, youth workers and other local stakeholders will meet on a regular basis to review the maintenance and improvement of the spaces so that this investment continues to benefit the whole community.