Colchester, Northern Gateway

PLACE has developed a landscape scheme for Colchester’s Northern Gateway with a multi-functional space for events and activities, and elements to encourage the public to linger within the spaces rather than passing quickly through the site.

The soft landscape focuses on developing the structural layout between horizontal and vertical planes. Planting will include trees, shrubs, meadow and amenity grassed areas, strategically placed to provide year-round interest. Semi-mature tree planting at the edges and centre of the site will provide an established backdrop for the scheme. Two existing Oak trees will be retained but crown lifted to 2.5-3m to enable better sightlines.

New cycle and pedestrian links have been created to improve connections between local residences and the Northern Gateway. The planting round the sinuous cycle and pedestrian paths will enhance the existing ecology; the route will be punctuated by patterned planting of grass, wildflowers and wild shrub species to create a habitat that will increase biodiversity in the area, as well as providing a buffer between the roads and buildings.

Client:
Turnstone 

Consultant Team:
CMP Architects
Carter Jonas, Planners
Mott Macdonald, Structural/Civil Engineers
WSP Group, Highway and Transport Engineers
Stace, Property Consultants