The Heritage Foundation’s vision is that living in Letchworth Garden City offers everyone the opportunity to flourish as part of a vibrant community, enjoying the best that both town and country offers. Through Strategy 2028, the Foundation continues to review not only the effectiveness of its work, but also whether its governance and structures are best suited to meeting the changing needs of the town and its communities.
How can we best ensure that the Foundation’s estate income continues to grow and that we are able to maximise investment into the town and local community? That is the fundamental question the Board of Trustees and our team has been considering over the past year. Rising estate management costs, greater emphasis on compliance and changing demand for commercial space have all impacted on our income and return on investment. This challenge needs concerted focus and attention. At the same time local needs are growing – from the mental health crisis affecting young people and growing worklessness, to the cost of living. These are crucial challenges to the local community that need greater focus on sustained investment. We also want to make our unique community governance model more attractive, in turn allowing us to grow its focus on community impact while continuing to protect and steward the unique Garden City estate. For these reasons the trustees and governors believe that we must now evolve the Foundation’s structure, and we are pleased to share our proposals to set up a new Community Trust dedicated to supporting and strengthening community life in the world’s first Garden City.
The new Letchworth Garden City Community Trust, planned to launch in January 2027, would focus on delivering projects and opportunities that bring us closer to achieving our shared vision. The community trust will deliver work in the town which helps to make Letchworth a Great Place to Grow Up. This will be delivered through a strong programme of arts, culture and heritage; as well as improving wellbeing through nature. It will also lead campaigns to tackle poverty and improve life chances for young people, and all residents of Letchworth Garden City.
The trust would work to deliver impact through our grant funding and charitable support and will offer community support for groups and organisations. The trust would also be responsible for operating our venues including Broadway Cinema & Theatre and Standalone Farm.
The Trust would become a subsidiary charity of the Heritage Foundation, with its own independent Board and governors. This structure would allow it to focus fully on community programmes, partnerships and local impact, while the Heritage Foundation continues its core role of caring for and protecting the Garden City estate for future generations.
Gareth Hawkins – Chair of the Board of Trustees, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation“Letchworth Garden City has always evolved to meet the needs of its community, while remaining true to the principles on which it was founded. As Trustees with our 125th Anniversary firmly in view, we believe this next step represents an important evolution in how the Heritage Foundation can best deliver that vision for future generations.”
The proposal reflects both the changing needs of modern communities and the enduring relevance of Ebenezer Howard’s original vision. In To-morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform, Howard imagined stewardship of the town sitting alongside a locally focused organisation delivering services and opportunities for residents. Trustees believe this is the right moment to build on that legacy in a way that equips the Garden City for the future.
Creating a dedicated Community Trust would also create new opportunities for residents, local organisations and partners to play a greater role in shaping community life in Letchworth. The Board and the Heritage Foundation team are excited by the potential this could unlock for the town and is keen to hear the views of people across the community as plans continue to develop.
Public and Press Invitation
The proposals for the new Community Trust will also be discussed at this year’s Garden City Meeting, taking place at Broadway Cinema and Theatre on Wednesday 17 June from 5pm.
The meeting will include an update on the plans for the Trust, what it could mean for Letchworth Garden City, and how residents and community organisations can help shape its future.
Full details and booking information are available at Letchworth.com/gardencitymeeting.