Once again Southern Green has collaborated with our friends and colleagues at NE1 and RASKL Studio design and help deliver some of the key elements of the NE1 Summer Activation Project. This project has since been well received by the public and is bringing the ‘buzz’ back into the city centre.
We were thrilled to be a part of this project as it provides exciting, innovative and ‘green’ features as visitor attractions throughout the length of the Quayside, with a view to attracting the public to enjoy the delights our city has to offer. The planting, temporary furniture and artworks provide a splash of colour to the Quayside without dominating the iconic River Tyne scenery, (it also enhances the snaps you take!)
Southern Green has provided planting along the Quayside stretching from the Hard Rock Café to St. Ann’s Quay. To maximise the project budget, and impact of the scheme we designed a strategy based around the use of upcycled concrete manhole rings, which are unique and impactful whilst also sustainable as they can easily be repurposed when required.
In addition to Southern Green’s planting, RASKL Studio have provided a bespoke seating/art installation called the ‘Dichroic Maze’. This collection of seating cubes and screens create subtle but spectacular colours when caught in the sunlight.
Along the Quayside there is also a 75-metre-long strip of artwork designed by @mrpenfold, 3D artwork by Joe Hill, a collection of giant seesaws and the NE1 Urban Garden in collaboration with Brewdog, with more exciting installations coming soon.
The success of the scheme is testament to the amazing teamwork and leadership which has made this one of the most rewarding and enjoyable projects we have worked on. We would like to thank the following businesses and collaborators, and look forward to working with them all again soon - hopefully:
- NE1 Ltd;
- RASKL Studio
- AH Events
- Trevor Atkinson Ltd
- JCC Consulting
- The Traveller and the Bear
- Glebe House Vintage
- Merchant No.1
- Johnson of Whixley
- Wykeham Mature Plants
- Leamside Nurseries
As well as number of notable constraints associated with the location and logistics, one of the major challenges for this project was the timeframe to complete the works. It took just over 10 weeks from inception to completion of delivery, which demonstrates the herculean effort from all involved. The weather was also nice for a change during the installation period, which is good to relax in… but not so good when undertaking intensive manual labour. It also created a significant challenge with watering nearly 2000 trees, shrubs and perennials on a daily basis in the relentless heat and sun. Nonetheless, this achievement would not have happened without this amazing, selfless and committed team.
Once again NE1 has been a great client to work with, throughout. Their vision to lead the project, passion for the delivery and devotion to their city is truly inspirational. At Southern Green, we strive to make a positive impact on the public realm within in the city of Newcastle, and are already looking forward to new opportunities for more exciting projects in the near future.
Check out our Instagram for latest updates @southern.green.ltd
