GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
CONNECTING BRITAIN
St Peters Square Manchester Runcorn Station Plaza
The road and rail network in Britain is undergoing significant improvement work to better connect the country and support economic growth .
The development of new parkand-ride facilities , cycle lanes , and pedestrian crossings is aimed at making Britain ’ s road and rail network more efficient , reliable , and accessible , and supporting economic growth and improved quality of life for all .
At GreenBlue Urban we are thrilled to see the use of integrated landscape design : The design of new and upgraded road and rail infrastructure with surrounding landscapes , providing opportunities for incorporating nature-based solutions to offer a range of environmental and social benefits . Some of our examples include ; -
St Peter ’ s Square Manchester – which closed in 2015 for 14 months for total redevelopment to include a four-platform interchange . The inclusion of GreenBlue Solutions for urban tree planting has given this scheme the iconic wow factor and highlights all key benefits of additional biodiversity , urban cooling , water attenuation and air cleaning as well as stunning visual amenities .
Enhancement at Finsbury Park , part of the City North Place development in London enabled an enhanced entrance to the station
City North - Finsbury Station
incorporating trees in hard paving , architecturally designed to soften the “ concrete canyon ” effect , along with providing easier access to buses and other modes of public travel .
Green roofs and walls are being integrated into new and existing road and rail infrastructure , providing habitat for wildlife , reducing heat islands , and improving air and water quality .
The new Elizabeth Line underground line has given London some amazing opportunities to regenerate zones around the new and improved stations . One of the most dramatic new stations is the Canary Wharf interchange – probably London ’ s most stunning Roof Garden ! Installed with GreenBlue Urban ’ s StrataCells to give connected uncompacted soil volumes , the showcase plants from around the world , giving an oasis of peace high above the bustle of the Isle of Dogs commercial zone .
Bioretention rain gardens are being used to manage stormwater runoff from roads and railways , reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality . However currently Highways are taking the lead in transforming buildouts and car parks with the use of the HydroPlanter , collaborating with Water Authorities a win-win for nature-based solutions !
Measures are being taken to minimize the impact of new and upgraded infrastructure on local ecosystems and biodiversity , including the creation of new habitats and the restoration of degraded areas . This has been of particular interest with the construction of HS2 , which are using an approach that is consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework .
GreenBlue is thrilled to be supporting with their knowledge not just with our ArborSystem Tree Planting along developed sites but on BNG and on their new off-grid street lighting Reluminate , which can be used as a permanent or temporary solution .
Making the road and rail network in Britain more sustainable and resilient and providing numerous life-changing environmental benefits for local communities to thrive .
GreenBlue Urban – Connecting Britain – Made in Britain .
www . greenblue . com @ GreenBlueUrban
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