​Green-tree soils used in £30m refurbishment programme at Teesside Retail Park

Background

One of the UK’s busiest retail sites, Teesside Park in Stockton-on-Tees, is undergoing its biggest overhaul for 30 years. Owner, leading UK property company British Land has undertaken a £30m programme of enhancements, of which £1.6m has been allocated to new landscaping, over a period of 18 months and 12 phases. The majority of the landscaping centres around the new car parking layout, which has been totally re-designed to improve accessibility, traffic flow and reduce ‘conflict’. It is being carried out by Gavin Jones Limited who provide professional landscape management services across the UK. Two key pedestrian routes have been added as well as an open-air courtyard, featuring seating and Corten-style planters.

The Solution

As part of the first three phases, in excess of 1,500 tonnes of Green-tree soil has been supplied, including Amenity Tree Soil, sand and pea gravel for the tree pits; along with Green-tree subsoil and topsoil for the ornamental herbaceous planters. The landscape architects, MacGregor Smith, requested a specific planting specification, and Green-tree was able to produce a bespoke topsoil mix to satisfy these demands.

The soil was supplied from one of Green-trees soil manufacturing sites in Yorkshire, just 3 miles away from the final site. All deliveries were timed to hit pre-9am timed deliveries; the smaller batches ensuring that all soil was fresh and easy to handle.

In addition, Green-tech’s Mona Relief irrigation systems and tree anchors were supplied, to ensure all the trees and shrubs have the best possible chance of establishment in their new environment.

The Outcome

Richard Wexham – Green-tree’s Representative

“To supply the soil for such a major project, with such a tight specification and deadlines, is something that we thrive on. We have worked with both the landscape contractor, Gavin Jones Ltd, and MacGregor Smith on several projects now, and it is always a pleasure to be able to deliver a fantastic product at a competitive price.”

Ricky Whiteman - Gavin Jones Ltd – Head of Estimating North

“On a project of this scale, logistics and delivery deadlines are critical. Working with Green-tree on previous projects, we were confident that everything would run to plan, and they didn’t let us down. Everything was supplied when and where it was needed, with the minimum of fuss.”