by Holly Chapman | 06 Oct 25 | Landscape Architecture, News
Milton Keynes station square celebrates colour and diverse communities with its recent transformation, designed by artist Yika Ilori MBE with a planting scheme by Planit.
One of the largest public realm spaces in the UK, the new design is inspired by the city and Ilori’s roots, incorporating Nigerian textile patterns.
The Walk With Your Dreams installation welcomes visitors into the city from the railway station. Featuring a 2D artwork integration and diverse planting scheme, the space intends to “represent power and progress, embodying unity, connection and community”.
Yinka Ilori, credit: Stephen Chung
Commissioned by Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) and Milton Keynes City Council, Planit designed the planting scheme to maintain visual interest throughout the year.
Frankie Smith-Morris, landscape architect at Planit says “Yinka’s work is so energetic, we wanted a planting that would hold its own in regard to the vibrant, choreographed colour,” adding:
“The natural banking allows the planting to create a backdrop that frames the central artwork, while wrapping the space in swathes of colour.”
Local people were invited for the opening event last week for music and dance performances.
by Aidan Williams | 14 Nov 24 | Commercial Landscaping, News
Planit has been appointed by the Hull City Council to lead the development of a future vision for the city centre.
The creation of a new vision will be a key milestone in the delivery of Hull’s Community Plan 2024-34 and its ambition to build Hull’s role as a regional hub for enterprise, investment and growth.
Over the next six months, Planit and its wider team, will engage with Hull businesses, residents and stakeholders to develop a plan designed to stimulate the economy, respond to climate change and develop sustainable neighbourhoods.
“We want residents of our city to have a say in its future, a city they can feel proud of and a place where people want to live and visit,” says councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at the council.
“Alongside ensuring our communities thrive, our city centre must thrive alongside it. We have set out to create a new long-term vision for the heart of our city that makes the most of its assets.
“The new vision will build on existing plans to use the city’s strengths to create a thriving economy with job opportunities for everyone and a healthy place to live with access to affordable housing, green spaces and great opportunities to experience our culture and heritage.”
The master planning work has been funded by a £19.3m government programme which aims to unlock target areas and continue with the regeneration of the city centre.
Director of urban design at Planit, Andy Roberts, adds: “It’s such an exciting time for this legendary maritime city which has great historical significance, not only for the UK, but the rest of the world.
“Committed to a regenerative future, we are passionate about preservation and building cities that can adapt. We’re delighted to play a central role in Hull’s development.”
Hull is not the only city Planit have been involved in lately, with public consultations having closed at the end of September on plans for a former retail site in Manchester.
by Aidan Williams | 29 Aug 24 | News
Manchester City Council and the Government Property Agency (GPA) have opened a joint consultation around plans for a former retail site, which include a new park space designed by landscape architects Planit.
Residents, businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to give their thoughts on the proposals, which also include a government campus, in Ancoats.
Feedback can be given online, but there will be two public consultations, on 10 September.
It is a joint effort between Manchester City Council and the Government Property Agency (GPA), with the former to deliver the new park, and the latter to handle the campus.
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, says: “The new park will help meet demand for high-quality green space in the city centre and will complement other green investment, including Ancoats Green, in this neighbourhood.
“As ever, consultation is the opportunity for our residents to give us feedback on the emerging proposals and help guide this investment that will benefit Mancunians for years to come.”
The council say the new park space will help meet the need for quality, attractive green space in the city centre and accommodate new walking and cycling routes.
The consultation will end on September 23, 2024, following which the proposals will be finalised and separate planning applications to be submitted later this year.
