We were asked to supply a wide range of plants for a new community of almost 1,000 concept apartments in the centre of Manchester for a scheme created in conjunction with our long-standing customer Ashlea Landscapes.
The Chapel Wharf development comprises of four towers of apartments, each between 12 and 22 storeys high, built on the banks of the River Irwell next to the five-star Lowry Hotel.
The one, two and three-bedroom apartments are largely open plan with a private balcony or terrace were constructed in part off-site using the latest manufacturing techniques.
This enabled the time frame for construction to be dramatically reduced, with an average of 18 apartments going up each week.
Part of a major regeneration of the Chapel Street area by developer Dandara, the complex includes a number of public areas and walkways as well as parking for almost 400 cars.
We were tasked with providing a range of quality plants, trees and shrubs to transform these public areas into a green oasis where residents can relax.
Given the timescale, it was essential that the correct plants were provided exactly on time in order to fulfil the plan.
Working with Ashlea, Johnsons provided plants, trees and shrubs to help create stunning outdoor communal areas, with Himalayan birch, Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan), Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry) and Betula pendula (Silver birch) all included in the order.
Herbaceous species included more than 600 Bergenia silberlicht (elephant’s ears), 500 English lavender plants and almost 150 of the Johnsons blue variety of geranium.
More than 700 of the evergreen shrub Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ along with hundreds of grasses and ferns were also provided.
Our plants helped create green areas within the development – and to the great satisfaction of Ashlea, who commented: We are delighted with the outcome of this project at Chapel Wharf. As always, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd have excelled themselves in working closely with us on the supply and delivery, from start to finish.
We are extremely proud to be associated with this ground-breaking scheme that is helping to transform this area of the city centre. We have now completed several prestigious schemes in the Manchester area, including providing festive foliage for the Spinningfields district.