Union Terrace Gardens
Union Terrace Gardens
In 2016, the Aberdeen City Council embarked on an ambitious project to refurbish the historic Union Terrace Gardens in collaboration with LDA Design from Glasgow. The primary goal was to breathe new life into this iconic space while preserving its historical elements. This initiative was undertaken in close collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland to ensure the site’s cultural heritage preservation.
LDA Design, renowned for such projects, crafted a master plan that aimed to refurbish Union Terrace Gardens while respecting its historical significance. The plan included provisions for improved accessibility, and the introduction of new amenities to make the gardens more inclusive and appealing to a wider audience.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
In 2016, the Aberdeen City Council embarked on an ambitious project to refurbish the historic Union Terrace Gardens in collaboration with LDA Design from Glasgow. The primary goal was to breathe new life into this iconic space while preserving its historical elements. This initiative was undertaken in close collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland to ensure the site’s cultural heritage preservation.
LDA Design, renowned for such projects, crafted a master plan that aimed to refurbish Union Terrace Gardens while respecting its historical significance. The plan included provisions for improved accessibility, and the introduction of new amenities to make the gardens more inclusive and appealing to a wider audience.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
It is one of the very best examples of inclusive design I have ever seen!
The master plan prioritised the protection of key historical elements, such as the statues of Robert Burns and Edward VII, ensuring that they remained integral to the garden’s identity. A significant focus of the master plan was to enhance accessibility. This involved redesigning pathways and entrances, and integrating ramps to ensure that the gardens were easily accessible to all users, including those with mobility challenges.
The project team actively engaged the community through a comprehensive public consultation process. The feedback received during the planning application indicated an overwhelming 91% approval from the city, reflecting the success of the collaborative approach.
To enrich the visitor experience, the master plan introduced new amenities, including a children’s play area and a café. These additions aimed to make the gardens a more family-friendly and recreational space for the community.
It is one of the very best examples of inclusive design I have ever seen!
The master plan prioritised the protection of key historical elements, such as the statues of Robert Burns and Edward VII, ensuring that they remained integral to the garden’s identity. A significant focus of the master plan was to enhance accessibility. This involved redesigning pathways and entrances, and integrating ramps to ensure that the gardens were easily accessible to all users, including those with mobility challenges.
The project team actively engaged the community through a comprehensive public consultation process. The feedback received during the planning application indicated an overwhelming 91% approval from the city, reflecting the success of the collaborative approach.
To enrich the visitor experience, the master plan introduced new amenities, including a children’s play area and a café. These additions aimed to make the gardens a more family-friendly and recreational space for the community.
To align with modern sustainability standards, GreenBlue Urban collaborated with the chosen landscape contractor, Ashlea Landscapes, to implement green infrastructure solutions. The urban tree planting products included RootSpace 600, Re-root barrier 600, ArborGuy deadman anchoring system, and RootRain ArborVents for continuous aeration and irrigation. These elements not only contributed to the aesthetics but also promoted the health and longevity of the newly planted trees.
Collaborative Success
The success of the Union Terrace Gardens project can be attributed to the strong collaboration between the local authority, designer (LDA Design), contractor (Ashlea Landscapes), and suppliers (GreenBlue Urban). The project exemplifies a harmonious relationship between stakeholders, leading to a landscape transformation that respects the heritage of the site while embracing sustainable and inclusive design principles.
The revitalisation of Aberdeen Union Terrace Gardens stands as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through collaboration, careful planning, and a commitment to preserving historical and cultural heritage in harmony with nature.
To align with modern sustainability standards, GreenBlue Urban collaborated with the chosen landscape contractor, Ashlea Landscapes, to implement green infrastructure solutions. The urban tree planting products included RootSpace 600, Re-root barrier 600, ArborGuy deadman anchoring system, and RootRain ArborVents for continuous aeration and irrigation. These elements not only contributed to the aesthetics but also promoted the health and longevity of the newly planted trees.
Collaborative Success
The success of the Union Terrace Gardens project can be attributed to the strong collaboration between the local authority, designer (LDA Design), contractor (Ashlea Landscapes), and suppliers (GreenBlue Urban). The project exemplifies a harmonious relationship between stakeholders, leading to a landscape transformation that respects the heritage of the site while embracing sustainable and inclusive design principles.
The revitalisation of Aberdeen Union Terrace Gardens stands as a testament to the positive outcomes achievable through collaboration, careful planning, and a commitment to preserving historical and cultural heritage in harmony with nature.
