Communal gardens

The starting point
The regeneration of Battersea Reach’s 5.2 hectares of former industrial land established tiered residential buildings in a parkland setting. Our commission was to design and build the soft landscaping around the buildings and down to the waterfront.

Our solution
We designed a scheme with strong geometric planting lines to unify the spaces around the buildings and link with a new river walk that meanders through terraced planting areas down to the foreshore. The landscaping in the public squares was implemented on podiums above underground car parks, which required lightweight construction materials and methods.

The many varied evergreen and herbaceous plants used throughout the scheme were chosen for their contrasting textures, flowers and year round interest. Mature specimen trees sourced from a specialist nursery add visual impact in key areas.

Along the river frontage we changed the emphasis to ecological planting. Two substantial wild flower meadows have been established, and one section of the Thames has been transformed from lifeless mudbanks into a haven for plant and wildlife.

Bartholomew Landscaping also provides on-going maintenance for the gardens.