Peterborough Garden Park

The project comprised the construction of a garden centre with 17 retail units, cafe and management suite.

This innovative retail and leisure destination combined the attributes of a traditional garden centre and an accessible retail scheme, with a mix of lifestyle retailers. The defining architecture of the project was in the dramatic main garden centre building which has taken its influence from glass houses such as those a Kew and Wisley and features a ‘Crystal Palace’ glass atrium Peterborough Garden park was formally opened by Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex.

As part of the design, timber was sourced from sustainable forests, the equivalent of 800 lorry loads of soil was recycled and utilised on site, low energy photo sensitive lighting was incorporated and watering for the feature garden and plants to the garden centre are from grey water harvested from rain water.

During the development process Peterborough Garden Park commissioned a report from Peterborough Environment City Trust that helped identify environmentally friendly initiatives for the Park. Also a Green Travel Plan, prepared in partnership with Peterborough City Council, will encourage and nurture alternative forms of transport and car sharing by those who work at or visit the Park.

Dedicated cycle ways and footpaths from bus stops, provision for cycle storage, as well as on site staff showers are part of ensuring that the Park plays its part in Peterborough’s aspiration to become a truly sustainable city – the UK’s Environmental Capital.

A circular artwork, crafted by potter Richard Mill, was created to enable local children and families to feel a connection with the Park.

The names of 320 children, living close by at the time of construction, each with their own tile, were incorporated, together making a circular artwork. The children’s circle was formerly unveiled by Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex.

Awards

Awarded Best Garden Centre in the Midlands and Best Destination Centre in the Midlands by The Garden Centre Association.

Finalist for the Peterborough Evening Telegraph Business Awards in the category of Contribution to the Community Award.

Finalist for the Peterborough Design and Construction Awards in the category of Best Commercial/Community Development.