West Gorton Community Park Opens
Dubbed the "Sponge Park" for the way it contributes to tackling the effects of climate change, the new community park in Manchester will benefit the local people, wildlife and environment.
G&T provided Cost Management services to Manchester City Council on this project alongside BDP (landscape architects) and Arup (civil engineers).
The park has three separate, interconnected spaces which provide innovative nature-based solutions to water management. The space known as the 'woodland area' provides a rain garden and a play area with timber play features. The 'meadow area' has orchard trees, exploration play and picnic tables as well as a swale that is connected via underground drainage to the rain garden. An event space has been created in the 'garden area' which also provides space for the community grow boxes as well as a further interconnected swale.
"The "Sponge Park" will serve as a wonderful model for how green spaces can help us to tackle the effects of climate change."Councillor Angeliki Stogia
Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport
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The park is the final element of the West Gorton regeneration programme which has transformed the neighbourhood providing new housing and community facilities for its residents.
Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport said, "The "Sponge Park" will serve as a wonderful model for how green spaces can help us to tackle the effects of climate change. Its intelligent design will reduce the risk of local flooding, as well as helping create a more attractive, healthier environment for West Gorton residents to enjoy."
"We were delighted to work on this new park for West Gorton and Manchester City Council. The transformation has been inspiring and we look forward to seeing the local community enjoy its new space."Sarah Kelly
Partner, G&T