The existing industrial park needed a major extension to attract investment. The site is highly visible, situated between the A1 road and the East Coast Mainline railway, and is seen by all travellers between England and Scotland. Our client wanted a modern dynamic business park environment which would raise the quality of the existing park, and make it an economic success.
The site has a dramatic coastal location. Shelter from onshore winds is essential for human comfort. The design concept is to create dense woodlands around the edges of the site, and thickets of coastal scrub on embankments within the site. Wildlife will be encouraged onto the site by berries and fruit of native trees and shrubs. The coast is particularly important to birds, and these will be attracted to ponds which are part of the sustainable drainage strategy.
Bringing birds into the business park is very popular with workers who can enjoy the visual movement and the changing seasons. There are places to sit and watch the wildlife at lunchtime, and a choice of short walks for healthy exercise.
Closer to buildings the planting needs shelter by attractive low fencing, giving a crisp and neat appearance. Architectural rocks and cobbles form strong features at road corners.
The site needs a strong marketing image and we chose Berwick’s dramatic fortifications, the Ramparts as it’s new name. Stone walls feature in the landscape design concept.
The new modern image and strong landscape identity have been a great success, and the site was fully occupied within two years.
Location:
Berwick upon Tweed, UK
Type:
Commercial
Area:
5ha
Value:
£50M
Client:
Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council