Plan. Design. Implement. Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
02–03 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
The landscape specialists Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan provides a full landscape development service from consultation and design through to construction and maintenance. What sets us apart is our experience of working closely with local communities, putting their needs first.
With a multidisciplinary team including innovative landscape architects, expert community workers, passionate youth workers and experienced hands-on landscapers, we bring a holistic approach to landscape design and management.
We’re the local community charity with a green heart. We provide commercial design and contract expertise whilst providing local employment and training opportunities. Any profit we make is put back into our work of changing places and changing lives.
The Groundwork edge When choosing Groundwork, our clients have access to a range of skills we think are unique for a landscape practice. In additional to our qualified design team, we offer a range of extra capabilities and strengths:
Landscape architects Our landscape design team comprises chartered landscape architects who draw on a wealth of professional expertise to provide inspiring and creative design solutions. Community experts Our community workers can do more than simply consult. We have decades of experience in community engagement and development. Youth workers We have a range of techniques in involving young people in the design and development of landscape projects – boosting both their skills and local buy-in. Employment and training We use the contracts that we win to provide employment and training opportunities to local unemployed people and ex-offenders.
Contents 02–03
Introduction
04–05
Landscape services
06–07
Public realm
08–09
Access & routeways
12–13
Communities
14–15
Sport & play
16–17
Schools & education
20–21
Parks & open spaces
22–23
Residential & commercial
Climate change adaptation and sustainability We understand how land and green infrastructure can be used to help adapt to climate change and prevent future flooding and reduce urban temperatures. Where possible we will always reuse or source recycled materials with a focus on the overall carbon impact of a project. Funding We’re experts at navigating the maze of funding and making successful applications to funders - local and national, large and small. We can sometimes source funding not accessible by the client via Groundwork’s national corporate relationships and programmes.
Our Landscape Architects turn people’s aspirations into reality through inspiring design
04–05
Design.
Implement.
Landscape architecture Our landscape architecture service focuses on creating landscapes that meet the needs of people. Our approach aims to enhance the environment, building on existing features while transforming perceptions through inspiring design.
We use interactive consultation and design techniques to help achieve the best possible outcome within budgetary constraints. Our landscape architects know that it is their job to turn people’s aspirations into reality – and find creative ways to meet diverse needs. We understand that well considered and thought out design lowers long term management costs for our clients. Sustainability is at the heart of our design solutions, alongside quality and usability. We aim to deliver schemes that reduce waste and lessen the environmental impact of a development on its surroundings while remaining cost-effective.
Our capabilities at each stage of the process include:
Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Groundwork Trusts are collectively one of the largest employers of landscape architects. We can call on that wealth of experience to find solutions to your challenges. Our clients include community groups, local authorities and parish councils, public sector agencies, housing associations and major private sector landowners such as United Utilities. Our work encompasses schools, residential environments, urban public realm and management of green infrastructure.
Construction and maintenance We provide a high quality landscape improvement and grounds maintenance service. This practical hands-on team carries out environmental improvements such as path construction, clearing of vegetation, tree planting and construction of outdoor features.
Importantly, we use the contracts we win to provide employment and training opportunities for local people who are out of work and to ex-offenders through the Blue Sky social enterprise. They benefit from short, fixed term employment, gaining new skills and work experience that help them find permanent jobs which also helps employers address local skills shortages.
Teams are led by fully qualified, experienced staff and carry out work to a consistently high standard.
Project management It’s vital to have the right systems in place to properly manage complex landscape projects.
Groundwork’s approach, developed over decades, ensures careful monitoring of project progress and spend through each distinct stage of operation.
Our robust systems ensure careful co-ordination of stakeholders and partners and management of project finances.
As well as our own in-house team, we regularly commission select contractors who are assessed for quality, effectiveness and value for money.
Stage 1 Scoping and surveys
Stage 2 Consultation
Stage 3 Funding
Stage 4 Statutory approvals
Stage 5 Design process
Stage 6 Implementation
Stage 7 Landscape management
Feasibility studies / site investigations
Client - User integrated design process
Planning guidance
Outline design
In-house capability
Tree preservation orders
Sketch scheme proposals
Robust tendering procedures
Conservation plans and historic landscape research
Site surveys / project assessments
Survey design and delivery
Strategies and plans for funding applications including the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Woodland Grant Scheme, Environmental Stewardship and the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund
Footpath diversion orders
Detailed proposals
Protected species and habitats
Masterplanning
Contract supervision and implementation
Masterplan production / long term project development assistance
Highways Authority licenses and safety audits
3D modelling
Health and safety management
Landscape management plans
Quality construction service that grows local skills
Volunteer training and support
Youth engagement expertise
Volunteer management
Tree and woodland strategies and management plans
Online surveys
Contract management
Landscape visual impact assessments and spatial analysis Design development / cost estimates and funding advice Environmental and Ecological impact assessments Sustainability appraisals Habitat, hedgerow, national vegetation classification surveys
Interactive consultation events Planning for Real ‘Honest broker’ role between landowner and local people
Social enterprise development
Conservation area compliance
Photomontage visualisations
Green Flag application management plans
06–07 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Public realm New city gardens Leeds City Council
Garden in the sky Lyric Theatre
Gateway to the Open Lancashire County Council
Worn out city centre public space, Victoria Gardens was redeveloped into an attractive green lung for the city that’s worthy of the surrounding architecture.
A contemporary roof garden on top of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is a much needed green retreat in a heavily builtup area, and a relaxing space for theatregoers.
Funded through Marks & Spencer’s Greener Living Spaces programme, the new public realm design by Groundwork Leeds put sustainability to the forefront. Existing features were renovated rather than replaced and reclaimed and locally sourced materials were chosen where possible.
Designed by Groundwork London, the remarkable garden is a living, breathing oasis of subtle lighting, sustainable timber decking, low planters, seating, shrubs and eucalyptus trees. The garden also boasts a bespoke six metre high pergola canopy visible from Hammersmith tube station.
Poor quality public realm around Lytham and St Anneson-the-Sea railway stations became an issue for the local authority when the Open Golf Tournament 2012 venue was announced at nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.
The space previously featured giant tarmac chess boards which were replaced using Cumbrian stone. A special carved stone chess board and series of interactive bird boxes were designed by artist Alec Finlay and created by local craftspeople. Other features include eight new art deco inspired benches, improved accessibility for wheelchairs and the planting of 26 boxheaded London Plane trees and uplit by low energy LEDs.
The planting was completed with the support of the Groundwork Green Team; a project helping the long term unemployed learn horticultural skills, and children from the local primary school. Local residents were appointed ‘Garden Guardians’ providing hands-on help to keep it in tip-top condition.
We provided a new dynamic landscape solution to improve the open space around both stations in order to improve the image of these crucial gateways for international visitors to the tournament and in years to come. Working alongside local interest groups, the design focussed on improving access and surface treatment around the train station entrances. This was achieved through rationalising footpaths, restricting parking, reduction in vegetation and crown lifting, to improve sight lines and overall user feel.
Public realm design
Highly Commended, Design under 1ha, Landscape Institute Awards
Streetscape design Public art Sympathetic heritage design Urban design “The roof garden provides a green space for everyone in Hammersmith to enjoy, both day and night.”
Street tree strategies
Jessica Hepburn, Executive Director, Lyric Theatre
Sustainable urban drainage systems
Place making Urban masterplanning
08–09 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Footpaths, cycleways and bridleways Waterside and canal improvements Multi-user routes Road corridors Linking green infrastructure Habitat / wildlife linkages DDA guidance Route signage and waymarking
Access & routeways
Interpretation design Building a green heart Wigan Council
Opening up access for all United Utilities
Waterside connections Blackpool Council / Natural England
Our historic canals have become important leisure resources. However the towpaths were not constructed for modern use. Along the Leeds - Liverpool Canal between Wigan and Leigh, we have upgraded 6km of towpath, creating a 3m wide multi-user route for the use of pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
This new footpath in Brinscall runs along the route of a hidden watercourse – the River Goit.
The North Blackpool Pond Trail initiative links together a historic but little-known network of ponds and wetlands. This green corridor runs through an urban area and includes twentythree ponds and reedbeds, many of which are Biological Heritage Sites.
A bonded weather-resistant foundation was topped by a softer finish preferred by horse riders. New benches were installed with sculptures, interpretation boards, viewing platforms, waymarkers and decorative ironwork. Recycled materials were used for paths and seating. Work was sensitive as the canal passes next to the Wigan Flashes, which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest. All preparation, drainage and construction works were carried out using our in-house team creating local employment and training opportunities. Commended, Wigan Urban Design Awards.
The path links the village with other footpath networks including trails around the Anglezarke reservoir, dramatically improving access. In addition the project furthered long term aims to build on the natural heritage of the River Goit and improve the environment for residents and tourism. Built by our in-house contract team, the path is fully accessible to all and includes boardwalks, custom seating and sculpture created through signage. The work included the creation of a specially designed carved stone bench at the gateway to the site, created through working with children from two local primary schools.
Following site surveys, we have undertaken work to transform the path network, improving accessibility both for the local community and a much wider potential audience. An identity has been created for the pond network, including the introduction of branded interpretation boards and waymakers. The pond trail is a mosaic of nationally important habitats therefore consideration was taken to source local, inert materials that will not leach out contaminates to alter soil pH. Furthermore site works have taken place in winter months, where possible, to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Winner, Blackpool Civic Trust Open Space Award
“The Groundwork team have been fantastic to work with, demonstrating a high level of professionalism from concept design, to production of project drawings and detailed design, to execution of the project site works, excellent site supervision and the implementation of an excellent health and safety regime... On time, on budget, great safety record!” Eddie Boyle, B. Eng., Chartered Civil Engineer, Project Manager, British Waterways
Project :
Blackpool Pond Trail
Client :
Blackpool Council & Natural England
Project Value : ÂŁ260,000 Timescale :
2010-2013
Award :
Blackpool Civic Trust Open Space Award
12–13 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Community gardens
Communities
Allotment and growing spaces Community-led design Village green design Community consultation Assisting constituting allotment associations Pragmatic cost solutions Design for access
Artistic approach to a community green Community Green Wigan Council
A 21st century allotment design Hesketh Bank Parish Council
Award winning space with low carbon impact Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council
The brand new community space forms a new ‘village green’ for the Platt Bridge area. Previously it was a wellused site but lacked facilities for the local residents.
We helped the local parish council realise their dream of a brand new large-scale community allotment. Consultation was key as it meant we could work out a layout design that would match user capabilities and needs.
Centenary Gardens is a Landscape Institute awardwinning urban space developed by Groundwork in Old Trafford.
Our design has created a central path, two large connecting seating areas with benches and a mature feature tree for community events. A sustainable urban drainage systems was used for all areas of hard standing utilising a permeable tarmac. There are natural stone setts that were decorated with the help of local youngsters, using an artistic technique known as ‘Sgraffito’. This technique has been used in Europe since classical times and created a great sense of place.
A unique and functional layout was established that included disabled access, raised planters and appropriate provision of parking. Alongside the masterplanning of the site, we produced a comprehensive feasibility study investigating the opportunity and business case for developing a new permaculture centre at the site.
This project shows that innovative modern design has a place in a community setting. Straight lines were used to align views to the school’s façade and to connect the garden to the outside street context. ‘Natural play’ elements were included and all footpaths are DDA compliant. The majority of materials were locally obtained including reclaimed timber from diseased poplar trees, reclaimed stone walls, local stone copings, reclaimed stepping stones from a nearby alleyway and compost created from waste from Manchester’s wholesale vegetable market. Residents committed to locking up the garden every night to protect it from vandalism and agreed to a shared maintenance contract with the local council. Winner, Design under 1ha, Landscape Institute Awards
“The garden is absolutely fantastic - way beyond our wildest expectations. The pupils head straight to the garden after school and play on the decking and boulders while their parents sit and look on.” Tony Rae, Head of Seymour Park Primary School
Horticultural training
14–15 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Sport & play Bringing the seaside to a Wigan nursery Wigan Children and Young Peoples Services
Play solution for a challenging site London Borough of Haringey
Innovative outdoor gym Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
Groundwork was commissioned to design a high quality dynamic play area that would help attract parents to attend the Atherton Children’s Centre and find out more about the Surestart services.
Stationers Park was loved for its wooden fort – but after 25 years it had become dangerous. Replacing it was too expensive, so Groundwork London’s task was to work with the community to find a realistic design solution for the play space. Consultation took place with the Friends of Stationers Park and local children and park users to create a new vision.
A disused bowling green in Shaw Heath Park, Stockport, has been given a new lease of life as an outdoor gym.
Young children don’t have preconceived ideas about the form of a play area, so this gave us the chance to push for something unique. We captured the young children’s ideas by working with a specialist artist. The children chose a seaside theme which led to us designing a play area developed around a central pirate ship. There is extensive use of recycled materials in the finished site, and sympathetic boundary treatment created a secure play space for the nursery.
Play area design Natural play design Mutli-use games area Sports facilities BMX / skateparks Ball court areas Outdoor gyms User group consultation Maintenance schedules
Highly Commended Wigan Urban Design Awards
The masterplan was for a playscape which would make maximum use of the space but be installed in phases as funding became available. It capitalised on the unusual topography of the site and created a new series of play features reflecting the features of the old fort but providing far more play value to a broader age group. By including play features accessible from ground level, the new playground is more accessible to children of different abilities.
Groundwork Manchester undertook extensive community consultation about the future of the site which demonstrated a need for improved local lowcost exercise facilities. After analysing options the decision was made to choose innovative outdoor gym equipment. After installation, an information leaflet and interpretation panel was created to provide visitors with information about the equipment including suggested exercise routines of different intensities.
“The service was superb. We had a really helpful landscape architect assigned to the project that took care of us every step of the way. The play area is colourful, easily accessible and lots of fun for the families and children who use it.” Clare O’Malley, Co-ordinator, Atherton Children’s Centre
16–17 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Schools & education Outdoor classrooom area St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Primary School, Lowton
Wildlife oasis St Stephens C of E Primary School, Preston
A space for learning and play St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Primary School, Lowton
A derelict overgrown patch of ground and woodland area adjacent to the school has been transformed into a productive and beneficial outdoor environmental education space for local school pupils and community groups.
When water company United Utilities built a new storm tank under the grounds of St Stephen’s C of E Primary School, they asked Groundwork to work with pupils to create a new landscape above.
We worked with the school to create a dedicated play and learning space for the youngest pupils, featuring a series of different areas of landscaping that reflect different aspects of the natural environment.
Our landscape architects came up with a transformational design and our construction team cleared the site and built the compete project.
There’s a sand and water island where children get their hands dirty next to a driftwood bay made with natural timber. A sensory path leads to a central cabin situated at the foot of the ‘mountain’ with a musical forest as a backdrop. Furthermore a secret mountain passage leads children to a quiet seating area with whistling windpipes.
The brief asked us to help pupils study curriculum subjects in the school grounds. In response we created a variety of character spaces including a geography garden, weather garden, memory garden, bird garden, sensory flower garden, arts corner and outdoor boulder classroom. A formal, meandering path and boardwalk within the existing woodland area have also created a safe woodland walk from the environmental education garden. Winner Wigan Urban Design Awards.
The end result? A colourful oasis that’s a haven for animals and plants, and an inspiring learning environment for the children. It features an educational hardstanding area, wildflower meadow, pond, orchard, bird hide, outdoor classroom with stone seating circle and sensory plants.
The design is intended to inspire imaginative play that combines creativity with learning. With areas for both quiet contemplation and more boisterous play. Our in-house team cleared the site, carried out all construction and undertook a ongoing maintenance programme.
“The garden looks stunning, and we are very grateful to United Utilities and Groundwork for making it possible. Where there was once a patch of disused land with weeds and brambles, there is now an exciting, interactive learning space for the children. It will be well-used for many years to come.” David Sharkey, Head Teacher at St Stephens Primary
Learning environments that link to the national curriculum Food growing and nature areas Outdoor classrooms Stimulating playgrounds Pupil involvement in the design process Sensory garden areas Arts involvement and sculptures Willow weaving Woodland walks
Project :
Outdoor classroom area
Client :
St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Primary School, Lowton
Project Value : ÂŁ35,000 Timescale :
2009-2010
Award :
Wigan Urban Design Awards - Winner
20–21 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Historical parks
Parks & open spaces
Pocket parks Tree planting strategies Community woodlands Nature reserves Management programmes Community custodianship Heritage lottery fund applications Green infrastructure
A brand new park West Lancashire Borough Council
A nature reserve and training ground Wigan Council
Reinvention of a Victorian park West Lancashire District Council
We started with a completely blank space – and worked with local residents and the parish council to design a new and dynamic park for the local community. From start to finish, we managed the process through the complete design, tender, contract administration and implementation stages.
Amberswood is a 160 hectare nature reserve at the heart of Wigan’s Greenheart regional park. Created through mining, it’s now a mix of wildlife habitats.
Stanley Coronation Park, created by the Victorians, had fallen into disrepair and wasn’t meeting the needs of the local community.
The new Banks Park, funded through section 106 income, incorporates a new play area, skatepark and sensitive landscaping. The park was constructed from spray concrete, and the playground contained sand based, DDAcompliant play equipment. A tree planting strategy aimed to green the area while maintaining safety minimal maintenance requirements.
Groundwork combined our landscape design, construction and community development skills to establish a new gateway and green infrastructure project through Amberswood common – linking local landmark Haigh Hall with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal through new multi-user footpaths, wildlife corridors and enhanced woodland management. We used the work to provide valuable training opportunities to both graduate volunteers and local unemployed young people, who took the lead on engaging with the local community and publicising this valuable landscape. This is a cost-effective model of carrying out green space improvements – using properly supported volunteers who are genuinely benefiting by learning easily transferable skills.
Working with West Lancashire District Council and the local community, Groundwork created a design concept that made the park safer by opening up sight lines and restructuring some of the spaces. In-turn a space that provided welldefined safe routes through the park while being sensitive to heritage features was created. Existing amenities were enhanced and new features included informal seating terraces, an outdoor adult fitness area and art created by local young people.
“Older people in Skelmersdale remember the park as the heart of their community. It was incredible to be able to play a part in bringing it back to life” Kate Jackson, Landscape Architect Groundwork
22–23 Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan. Landscape services.
Masterplanning Designing out crime Residential improvements DDA advice Shared space ‘homezones’ Alleygating Industrial estates and business parks Secure by design
Residential & commercial
Roof gardens Access improvements for sheltered accommodation Wigan & Leigh Housing
Residential roof garden Places for People Preston
Greening alleyways Reassurance Plus Blackpool
Groundwork was commissioned by Wigan & Leigh Housing to design and manage major landscape improvement works to Cherry Tree Grove a residential housing scheme physically impaired people.
Groundwork was commissioned to create a roof garden at Empire House in Preston City Centre – a densely urban area with little green space.
Back alleyways behind terraced housing and tourist accommodation in central Blackpool had become a dumping ground for fly tippers and a grimy hiding place for anti-social behaviour.
We worked with the client and residents to design a new series of footpath networks and outdoor spaces. This included drying areas that met the needs of people with varying levels of ability. The end result dramatically improved accessibility and created an environment that was fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
The built elements are mainly constructed from treated softwood keeping weight to a minimum and by using the latest green roof technology and growing mediums the site benefits from a substantial planting scheme. Height changes in the features of the garden provide variation for a rich design. The central pergola snakes across the site, connecting access points to the roof garden and providing privacy for those in the garden from the surrounding properties. Raised planting beds of varying heights appear as scattered leaves from the on-looking flats with the perimeter planting beds helping to enclose the space and acting as informal seating.
We worked with local residents to understand their aspirations for the future use of each alley when turned into private gated spaces. These were used to inform surface treatments such as block paving, granite sets, resin bond gravel and spray play. The project converted litter-strewn alleys into safe green spaces for residents combining play spaces with areas for relaxation and local food growing.
“Groundwork provided a design solution that enhanced the environment and open space of the residents. Realising our objectives with regards to project management, budget and quality made the overall project a great success for everyone involved.” Leanne Seddon, Project Manager, Wigan & Leigh Housing
For further information about our work, please contact us.
Groundwork Lancashire West & Wigan 74-80 Hallgate Wigan, WN1 1HP Tel: 01942 821444 www.groundwork.org.uk/lancswestwigan lww@groundwork.org.uk Company number: 1764848 Charity number: 514727
Thanks to: Groundwork Leeds Groundwork London Groundwork Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside & Trafford Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale Written and edited by: Jon Kedwards Design: www.futuredc.co.uk
Printed with vegetable inks onto 100 % post-consumer waste recycled paper