Guest Blog: ATV Contract Services
Derelict Nottingham shopping centre site to undergo green transformation
The vision for Nottingham’s new ‘Green Heart’ is being realised as the former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre site is transformed into green space. Expected to be open to the public in August 2024, the newly landscaped site will provide a meeting space surrounded by trees in the centre of the city.
ATV Contract Services, an RSK company, is working on the landscaping element of the project for Willmott Dixon on behalf of Nottingham City Council. 34 mature trees are being introduced to the public open space including 2 metasequoia (giant redwood) and 1 super mature English oak tree which is the focal point of the site. Several thousand wetland plugs such as marsh marigold,
ATV Contract Services Commercial Director Ben Hensman : “The landscaping of this site, which covers around 1 acre, will have a transformational impact for Nottingham, creating a new and inviting green space right at the centre of the city. Over the last two months, the team have worked to realise the ‘Green Heart’ vision and have planted beautiful specimen trees, shrubs and across an acre of re-claimed public space.
“The oak tree planted on site came with a particular challenge due to restrictions on supply and delivery due to the presence of oak processionary moth (OPM) in the UK. The solution was to import a tree that was grown from seed in southern Ireland, which falls outside of the current OPM zone, ensuring the project was undertaking its duty for the responsible movement of trees and keeping up to date with the current legislation.”
Crowders Nurseries, a sister company part of the RSK Group, has supplied most of the plants for the greening project. Overseeing the project at Crowders, Danny Green said: “The plant list for this project was very diverse, ensuring it provided suitable wildlife benefits whilst creating a modern green space accessible to the public. Three trees hand chosen by the client are the focal point of the development. The underplants which complement these trees consists of mature shrubs such as Dogwoods and Witch Hazels, flowing down to wildflower poppies and primulas, offering interests through all the seasons. There is also a diverse wetland area encouraging further biodiversity into a busy urban area.”
Pathed walkways though the planting will connect the redeveloped Nottingham Central Library and Broadmarsh Bus Station building with pedestrian routes to the Market Square and Nottingham Castle. 9 oak benches will also be installed around the site and a 180m3 space is being excavated in the centre for a pond.
Ben said: “The wetland area which includes a pond and rain garden will create an important refuge for nature by creating a valuable habitat. The design will encourage urban wildlife including insects, pollinators and birds with the introduction of oxygenating water plants to increasingly grow the biodiversity of the .”
ATV are using their extensive knowledge and experience in the urban landscaping sector to manage the demanding install programme whilst maintaining a high quality finish demanded by the stakeholders.
The project follows the planting of Carrington Street outside the relocated Nottingham Central Library and Sussex Street next to Nottingham College.
Notes for editors
- About ATV Contract Services
ATV Contract Services (www.atvcontractservices.co.uk) are a leading UK landscape and countryside management contractor that has been operating for 25 years. We provide practical landscape management solutions and facilitate end-to-end services to deliver a wide range of services. The company works throughout the UK and is based in England’s East Midlands, It has a wide variety of clients, from blue chip companies to national infrastructure projects.
ATV Contract Services full range of services, include: vegetation management, ecological services, fencing and access, invasive weed control, landscaping and countryside management and soil sampling. The business prides itself on fast and safe mobilisation of labour and plant to with a commitment to a high-quality service tailored to satisfy client needs.
- About RSK
RSK (www.rskgroup.com) is a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. Its family of more than 200 environmental, engineering and technical services businesses and 15,000 employees works together to provide practical solutions to some of the greatest challenges societies have ever faced.
The company operates in most sectors of the economy, including many of those most critical to future global sustainability, such as water, energy, food and drink, infrastructure, urban development, mining and waste. With its integrated offering across research and development, consultancy and on-the-ground application, RSK can deliver a complete solution that is unrivalled in the market.
The company is certified to the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 international standards for quality, environmental management and health and safety management.
For more information, please contact:
Hannah Walker
Communications Manager, RSK Group
