Grosvenor Yard Car Park is in the town of Newmarket, Suffolk, approximately 65 miles north of London.
In late 2019, discussions were held between Anglian Water and West Suffolk Council to develop a long-term strategy for managing stormwater flows across Newmarket.
As the regional water authority, Anglian Water was represented by Andy Bird and Emma Richardson during these early stages of the project.
Initial assessments identified that the car park served an approximate catchment area of 1,960 square metres. Based on a 1:30-year storm event, the required attenuation volume was calculated at 33 cubic metres.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Grosvenor Yard Car Park is in the town of Newmarket, Suffolk, approximately 65 miles north of London.
In late 2019, discussions were held between Anglian Water and West Suffolk Council to develop a long-term strategy for managing stormwater flows across Newmarket.
As the regional water authority, Anglian Water was represented by Andy Bird and Emma Richardson during these early stages of the project.
Initial assessments identified that the car park served an approximate catchment area of 1,960 square metres. Based on a 1:30-year storm event, the required attenuation volume was calculated at 33 cubic metres.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
On the plans the scheme looked complicated but when the works were carried out, the installation was quite simple.
Following early discussions regarding Tree Pit solutions with the project designers, Groundwork, it was proposed that Anglian Water consider the forthcoming rain garden solution, the HydroPlanter. Detailed discussions were held covering installation requirements, including excavation depths, soil specification, and measures to protect against vehicle overrun and pedestrian hazards. GreenBlue Urban also provided support in determining appropriate flow rates, using hydraulic modelling guidance supported by MicroDrainage.
Although the installation was initially placed on hold, the scheme was later released to tender by the local authority.
Installation
At the end of April 2021, the car park was closed for a four-week period to allow the new drainage system to be installed, alongside resurfacing works, line marking, and the construction of a new footpath.
GreenBlue supported DW Surfacing during the installation of the rain garden system. The scheme incorporated four starter modules, four end modules, and seven continuation modules, together with specialist ArborSoil Hydro for SuDS pits and the required weir walls to ensure on-site safety and protection.
Cheryl Froud of West Suffolk County Council was present on site to oversee the installation. When asked about site constraints, the following was noted:
“When digging down we found an old Well which we left alone and covered the hole back over. There were several utility services within the car park and near to the new planters. Hand digging was carried out and the planters made to fit around these.”
Despite appearing complex at the design stage, the installation process proved straightforward during construction.
On the plans the scheme looked complicated but when the works were carried out, the installation was quite simple.
Following early discussions regarding Tree Pit solutions with the project designers, Groundwork, it was proposed that Anglian Water consider the forthcoming rain garden solution, the HydroPlanter. Detailed discussions were held covering installation requirements, including excavation depths, soil specification, and measures to protect against vehicle overrun and pedestrian hazards. GreenBlue Urban also provided support in determining appropriate flow rates, using hydraulic modelling guidance supported by MicroDrainage.
Although the installation was initially placed on hold, the scheme was later released to tender by the local authority.
Installation
At the end of April 2021, the car park was closed for a four-week period to allow the new drainage system to be installed, alongside resurfacing works, line marking, and the construction of a new footpath.
GreenBlue supported DW Surfacing during the installation of the rain garden system. The scheme incorporated four starter modules, four end modules, and seven continuation modules, together with specialist ArborSoil Hydro for SuDS pits and the required weir walls to ensure on-site safety and protection.
Cheryl Froud of West Suffolk County Council was present on site to oversee the installation. When asked about site constraints, the following was noted:
“When digging down we found an old Well which we left alone and covered the hole back over. There were several utility services within the car park and near to the new planters. Hand digging was carried out and the planters made to fit around these.”
Despite appearing complex at the design stage, the installation process proved straightforward during construction.
Outcome
Commenting on the completed scheme and its suitability for future applications, Cheryl Froud highlighted:
“They have made the car park more appealing and have broken up the expanse of tarmac.”
Anglian Water and West Suffolk Council are commended for pursuing an innovative and forward-thinking drainage solution. This scheme demonstrates that alternatives to traditional storage-only approaches are available, offering opportunities to enhance amenity value and biodiversity while managing surface water effectively.
For further information, dedicated SuDS and HydroPlanter CPD sessions are available upon request.
Outcome
Commenting on the completed scheme and its suitability for future applications, Cheryl Froud highlighted:
“They have made the car park more appealing and have broken up the expanse of tarmac.”
Anglian Water and West Suffolk Council are commended for pursuing an innovative and forward-thinking drainage solution. This scheme demonstrates that alternatives to traditional storage-only approaches are available, offering opportunities to enhance amenity value and biodiversity while managing surface water effectively.
For further information, dedicated SuDS and HydroPlanter CPD sessions are available upon request.
