We are excited to announce that five projects with LUC involvement have been shortlisted for awards by the Landscape Institute.

The nominated projects are as follows:

• Excellence in Horticulture and Planting Design: Southmere Estate, Thamesmead
• Excellence in Public Health and Wellbeing: Gloucester Gate Playground
• Excellence in Small Landscape and Garden Design: West Downs Campus, University of Winchester
• Excellence in Flood and Water Management: Westfield Court, University of Hull
• Excellence in Heritage and Culture: Lews Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

The recognition received by these projects reflects the exemplary work carried out by our multidisciplinary team.

Our design approach is based on a thorough understanding of each site, its context, constraints and opportunities. We work with, not against, these ingredients to produce rich, thoughtful and locally distinctive responses of exceptional quality.

We also strive for climate-positive solutions that are not only creative and sustainable, but innovative, practical and affordable.

Southmere Estate, Thamesmead

In 2017 Peabody commissioned designers, LUC, to reimagine the public realm of the 1960s Southmere Estate and to re-create an enhanced experience for residents.

We were tasked with reconnecting the main walkway through the estate with Southmere Lake, creating a vibrant focal point to draw users to the lakeside. Four courtyards needed extensive improvements to make them desirable places for community use and areas rich in biodiversity.

The improvements included the introduction of several large plant beds that houses a diverse perennial display and provides a rich tapestry of colour, form and seasonal interest.

The project reached practical completion in October 2020.

Gloucester Gate Playground

In 2015, The Royal Parks set an aspirational brief for an exemplary playground with innovative ideas that will push the boundaries of play opportunities provided for children of all ages, cultures and abilities. It was to provide opportunities for social, creative and imaginative play, as well as physical activities, all within a rich landscape setting.

LUC were appointed to deliver the scheme, and in 2019/2020 the playground underwent a complete transformation. This saw the former space replaced with an accessible and contemporary play environment, high in play value, made from natural materials.

The formal celebration event for the playground took place last month.

West Downs Campus, University of Winchester

LUC’s landscape design forms the setting for the University of Winchester’s new West Downs Centre. This is a landmark project for the University, and its biggest to date.

It provides much-needed frontage in a prominent location within the City of Winchester and is a vital component to unlocking the University’s progressive development of its estate. Located on their West Downs campus, this facility is home to digital technology and business programmes and provides a 250 seat auditorium, art gallery, café, food hall, shop, library and social spaces.

The project was completed in June 2020.

Westfield Court, University of Hull

LUC supported the design and delivery of a vibrant sustainable new student village for University of Hull. The development provides 1,456 student bedrooms organised within ten buildings.

Our proposals prioritise sustainability through the pedestrianisation of the core spaces and integration of a richly planted sustainable urban drainage system. The buildings are arranged around extensive landscaped gardens and amenity spaces, offering students places to socialise, exercise and study.

Westfield Court completed in September 2019 and is the result of a successful partnership between UPP and the University of Hull to redevelop the university’s West Campus.

Lews Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

Largely funded by the National Lottery and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) the main aim of this project is to restore and enhance the extensive 19th Century designed landscape of the Grade A listed Lews Castle.

LUC initially prepared the Conservation Plan, Management and Maintenance Plan as well the Proposed Development Plan for the site. After a period of extensive community and stakeholder engagement, Planning and Listed Building consents were obtained and the project progressed to detailed design and construction.

We look forward to the Landscape Institute Awards ceremony in November.

Learn more about our Landscape Design services.