Hillingdon Council is facing scrutiny over the future of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) after questions were raised about its potential sale and the handling of its community asset nomination. The RAGC provides vital life changing services for our adults with learning difficulties and horticultural therapy, as well as a place of sanctuary and peace for the public.

At a council meeting on 11 September 2025, Andrea Scrivens, a Ruislip resident, asked Councillor Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Corporate Services & Property, to address rumours that the RAGC land had been offered for sale. John Scrivens, also of Ruislip, questioned Councillor Bianco about the council's delay in processing the ACV nominations for the RAGC, a process governed by the Localism Act 2011. The statutory 8-week period during which the Council is required to make a decision on the nominations expired before the end of August.

These questions followed a Cabinet decision on 26 June 2025, to close the RAGC's retail element, prompting concerns about the future of the site and the services it provides. The Cabinet report, presented in June 2025, detailed the closure of the loss-making retail operation . At the time, Councillor Palmer advised that Cabinet's decision to close the Rural Activities Garden Centre's retail element had been supported by Adult Social Care and ensured that all individuals with potential eligible needs had been assessed under the Care Act 2014.

During the meeting, Councillor Barry Nelson-West asked Councillor Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Community & Environment, to explain the rationale behind closing the RAGC to members of the public who also used and enjoyed the garden for a place of sanctuary and peace? Gardening at the Civic Centre had already been established and was expected to continue, supported by familiar staff and new opportunities.

Councillor Bianco confirmed that the council had not yet explored future use options for the RAGC site. He noted that nominations to list the site and adjoining car park as community assets were under review, as specified in the Localism Act 2011. Councillor Bianco clarified that no decision had been made to sell the site, and the community asset transfer process would only apply if a sale was proposed.

John Scrivens also asked whether the council had examined the option of a Community Asset Transfer to the Friends of RAGC, or other community organisations. Councillor Bianco confirmed that the Council had not yet explored future use options for the Rural Activities Garden Centre site.

The Public reports pack provides further details on the questions raised and the council's responses.