Evaluation

The park links the surrounding commercial buildings, the underground station and the retail mall. There is a continual throughput of pedestrians, in addition to those specifically visiting the site. From the surrounding paved pedestrian areas entry into the park is through gaps in the boundary hedging, which provide contrasting experiences. The adjacent buildings are no longer the dominant feature and the tree height provides a person-centred scale.

The water feature leads the eye along the site, but the landform prevents the whole site being seen in a single view. Water at a raised level changes its reflective qualities, increases feelings of intimacy, and makes the noise from the fountain jets more noticeable. These add to the sense of removal from the surrounding area that the park provides.

The landform is emphasised by the grass planted walls, which follow and transect the contours, and the more naturalistic topography provides relief from the buildings.

The paving is at present tarmac, a temporary solution, while permanent hard paved materials are assessed. There are large areas of mown grass with extensive peripheral planted areas, and seating on paved areas either backs this planting or the curved walls. This seating is supplemented during busy times when people sit on the grass.

To the south of the site, the vertical incursions from the mall below are located in the planting beds raised above the main walkway and, although they are conspicuous at present, do not detract from the general views and will in time be less visible. The roadway south of the park boundary was part of the Wirtz scheme and includes large Metasequoia trees in the central reservation, which reinforce the boundary treatment of the park and reflect the internal planting scheme. The park boundary is a simple low beech hedge. The designers' concept was for a single tree species in the park but, after discussion with the client, six species were used, all sourced from continental Europe.

Wind at the site meant that the stability of the trees was an issue. The trees are growing successfully and the concern for the microclimate and tree stability has aided successful establishment. Tree planting is complemented by five shrub species planted in waves and one evergreen perennial grass in the curved walls.

The original planting substrate was completely replaced. The weight blanket had been formed from marine ballast dredged from the North Sea. Its high salt content made it unsuitable for the establishment of a high quality park. All material had to be removed off site. All subsoil/topsoil was blended from recycled materials, and a programme for monitoring its performance, drainage and nutrient content is in place.

The park is used on occasion as a setting for artworks. An exhibition was being staged during the evaluation.

This high profile site, imaginatively designed, implemented to a high standard and visited by many people every day, illustrates the very positive psychological benefits of including planting in large urban environments to complement contemporary urban living.