Greening
At first we thought that Manchester had too many open spaces, in any case - the countryside is only 20 minutes from Piccadilly on the train...
But we were persuaded that a good quality landscape proposal was essential for a number of reasons.
- It helps to create the 'place' that we need to make this area work.
- It is a real resource for the residents and will have a material effect on quality of life.
- It is also a real resource for the City which needs occasional spaces to breathe.
- It will add value and will make this area beautiful and special.
Planting
The best place to live and work, in the City
The site will stand out through the density of new planting and its character. Clumps of forest trees - White Willow and Black Poplar - a forest garden, even an orchard.
Planting will be encouraged all over. Rooftops, allotments, planted balconies, planted walls, window baskets - even self conscious hanging baskets.
Densely planted mature Pines will add a civic scale to Old Mill Street.
Habitat for wildlife will be integrated - wet woodland, damp grassland, marginal wetlands and reedbeds.
Blimey - in Manchester??
Water
Water is one thing Manchester has a lot of, not just in the form of rain.
Waterways carve their way through the City linking Castlefield to Piccadilly. With the Rochdale and Ashton canals flanking both sides of the site it seemed an opportunity to link the two.
The new canal forms the dominant visual framework for the landscape.
The spaces in between each development 'finger' will use water in different ways to create a distinctive identity for each new space.
The large basin creates a real sense of open space at the heart of the scheme.
The new canal is 2.5 metres above the existing level of the site, creating an opportunity for distinctive landscape treatment including steps, ramps, cascades, planted embankments and the integration of buildings into the slopes.
Sculptural islands rise out from the water to create a series of new spaces, visual depth and habitat for wildlife.
The water will provide quality amenity space for residents of New Islington, residents of Manchester and boaters, both passing through or living on residential moorings.
The strength of the landscaping strategy will help to deliver the ambition to make this one of the best places to live and work, in the City.
