Growing Underground is a Zero Carbon Farm that prioritise sustainable growing practices. What sets Growing Underground apart is the way they produce their product – growing sustainably fresh salad leaves 33 metres below the busy and bustling streets of Clapham in London.

Our Director of Strategy, Crispin Reed descended the 189 steps to reach Growing Underground to get an insight into the future of commercial spaces and how they can be used to help address food supply issues. Directly beneath the Northern Line, this space has a rich history – built originally as a bomb shelter in the Second world War, it had also been used as temporary accommodation for the Windrush generation.

Using the latest hydroponic systems, Growing Underground’s crops are grown year-round in the perfect, pesticide-free environment using 100% renewable energy. Their greens are unaffected by the weather and seasonal changes, and thanks to the prime location, Growing Underground reduce the need to import crops, therefore drastically reducing the food miles for retailers and consumers.

As part of a circular economy, Growing Underground also uses cast off carpet underfelt from John Lewis for the seeds to take root.

Commenting on his visit, Crispin observes “As a placemaking and branding consultancy, it’s fascinating for us at Hunter to see how spaces can evolve over time and the impact this evolution can have on societal and environmental issues. The way this space is now used gives us a glimpse into the future and makes us rethink the importance of community and how we envision a sense of place. Best of all, the food tasted great!”

Find out more here: www.growing-underground.com