Charcon Hard Landscaping, a division of Aggregate Industries, has completed the development of a central campus square to provide a multi-use outdoor venue at the University of Leicester. The project, which was part of a wider scheme to renovate the area, saw the Fielding Johnson car park transformed into a
idverde landscaping client, Croydon Council, is celebrating the news that Happy Valley Country Park has received a Special Award for Innovation from the Green Flag Award Scheme. The 252-acre green space in Coulsdon is one of just fifteen inspirational parks and green spaces in the UK to achieve the award.
Charcon Hard Landscaping, a division of Aggregate Industries, has completed the development of a central campus square to provide a multi-use outdoor venue at the University of Leicester. The project, which was part of a wider scheme to renovate the area, saw the Fielding Johnson car park transformed into a public space for students and staff, offering the opportunity to hold a wide variety of events. Charcon was appointed for the job to provide a robust solution which would add visual appeal to the campus. Over 1,500m2 of Andover Textured Block Paving in Mid Grey, Silver Grey, Pink Granite and Heather Porphyry was specified for the main central square, having been carefully selected to complement the architectural styling of the campus. A combination of sliver grey concrete aggregate paving was selected for the square, with deeper colours also chosen to add depth. Perfectly suited to high volume pedestrian areas, the Andover Textured Block Paving offers exceptional durability whilst incorporating uniquely formulated Cornish aggregates to provide both enhanced performance and superior aesthetics. The upgraded square, which was designed to create an open space with clear access routes to the surrounding campus buildings, is now being used as a shared area for socialising, relaxing and studying. Since completion, the space has hosted Christmas markets, career festivals and Freshers’ Week activities. Mark Bodman, Director at Barry Chinn Associates, said: “We specifically chose Charcon as opposed to other key manufacturers of hard landscaping as we felt the quality of product successfully met our precise brief. The Andover Textured Block Paving lent itself extremely well to the project as it seamlessly accompanied the surrounding campus aesthetic.” Clinton Young, National Specification Manager at Charcon, said: “This project demonstrated our capabilities perfectly and we’re delighted that we have been able to deliver a full solution to the University of Leicester and we hope that the transformed space can be used to its full potential.” For further information, visit www.charcon.com. For technical support, please call 01335 372 222 or email landscaping@aggregate.com.
idverde landscaping client, Croydon Council, is celebrating the news that Happy Valley Country Park has received a Special Award for Innovation from the Green Flag Award Scheme. The 252-acre green space in Coulsdon is one of just fifteen inspirational parks and green spaces in the UK to achieve the award. It is presented to Green Flag Award or Community Award-winning sites that have made changes which have brought outstanding benefits to both themselves and the local community. The award was given to Happy Valley in recognition of a new hi-tech nature trail, which enables visitors to learn about the wildlife and history of Happy Valley and the adjoining City of London owned open space, Farthing Downs. Walkers can scan QR codes on their mobile device as they walk around the site, opening up web pages that tell them more about the local environment. The trail can also be followed using the GPS feature on visitors’ smartphones. Following the news of the award, Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and sport, said: “We’re delighted to receive this accolade. This project was brought about by a partnership between the owners of the two open spaces, Croydon Council and the City of London. “I’d like to extend our thanks to Dominic North, the countryside warden for the site, who works for Croydon’s grounds maintenance contractor, idverde Ltd. He worked with the Friends of Farthing Downs to ensure the trail will be a great asset for visitors. “Families, school parties, and anyone with an interest in the wildlife and history of this wonderful area of open countryside can now easily find out more than ever before about the nature and history of the area.” Dominic North, idverde’s countryside warden based at the site added: “I hope that the trail will be a great asset for visitors such as families, school parties and anyone with an interest in the wildlife and history of this wonderful area of open countryside.” Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme manager said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Happy Valley and Farthing Downs nature trail, a worthy winner of the Special Innovation Award. Research has proved that quality parks and green spaces play a vital role within their local communities. Happy Valley is a perfect example of this.”