As part of our well-being focus, we have started an exciting new project to create a ‘green island’ featuring a woodland block and two grass clearings. One of these clearings contains the end of a disused railway line, lending a distinctive character to the site.
The primary aim of the design is to enhance the amenity value for people at Johnston Quarter by creating a space that encourages social interaction and engagement with natural elements—particularly important given the industrial nature of the surrounding environment.
The design incorporates areas for seating and dining in a more formal setting, while also blending these with the woodland block to offer informal, secluded seating nooks. A key influence on the design is the railway line, which is proposed to be repurposed by converting old railway carriages into catering kiosks. This not only honours the heritage of the site but also avoids the need for constructing permanent buildings.
Ecologically, the woodland block will be managed regeneratively, and the low-diversity grassland will be enhanced to support a wider range of species. These measures aim to improve existing habitats and introduce new ones, thereby significantly boosting the site’s biodiversity. A central aspect of the proposal is the importance of connecting with nature, which is well-documented to positively affect mental health and well-being—particularly in work environments—by contributing to improved overall health and mood.