Hillington / Cardonald SWMP Ph2 - Queensland Gardens Wins Design Award

In November, phase 2 of the Hillington / Cardonald surface water management plan project - Queensland Gardens - won the Building with Nature National Award 2021 at the Landscape Institute awards - https://awards.landscapeinstitute.org/li-awards-finalists-winners-2021-2/

The project, being led by Southside Housing Association in partnership with Glasgow City Council, will see landscape green infrastructure retrofit around two 19 storey flats comprising improved emergency access, more balanced provision of parking, introduction of toddler play, adventurous play, community gardens and potential for food growing, cycle parking storage, and raingardens and swales to manage surface water and help reduce pressure on the combined sewer network.

The design of the main raingarden feature was informed by discussion with younger members of the community, along with the Green Action Trust (formerly CSGNT) at an event to talk about the concept of sustainable drainage and specifically raingardens, and how to bring creativity into the proposals for the park.

With the formation of the basin and swales, the excavated soil will be kept on site to create small rolling hills to add to the playful aspect of each space, and create elevated viewing areas around the multi use games pitch.

New green roofed cycle stores are also proposed to provide securing cycle storage and support active travel, as well as manage runoff and provide a home for biodiversity.

Construction is expected to start in early 2022.

Greenspace proposals at Queensland Gardens

Further information on the project is available here - https://glasgowcityregion.co.uk/city-deal-backed-project-design-to-reduce-flood-risk-wins-building-with-nature-award/

(November 2021)