Johnsons provides green oasis for apartments scheme

A new community of almost 1,000 concept apartments in the centre of Manchester will benefit from plants supplied by BALI Registered Affiliate member Johnsons of Whixley for long-standing customer and BALI Registered Contractor member Ashlea Landscapes.

The Chapel Wharf development will see four towers between 12 and 22 storeys high created on the banks of the River Irwell, next to the five-star Lowry Hotel.

The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are largely open plan with a private balcony or terrace and will be partially constructed off-site using the very latest manufacturing techniques.

Part of a major regeneration of the Chapel Street area by developer Dandara, the scheme will also create public areas, walkways and parking for almost 400 cars.

Working with Ashlea, Johnsons provided plants, trees and shrubs to will help create a green oasis in these communal areas, with the Himalayan birch, Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan), Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry) and Betula pendula (Silver birch) all included in the order.

Herbaceous species include more than 600 Bergenia silberlicht (elephant’s ears), 500 English lavender plants and almost 150 of the Johnsons blue variety of geranium.

More than 700 of the evergreen shrub Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ along with hundreds of grasses and ferns were also provided.

Last Christmas, Johnsons supplied festive foliage to the nearby Spinningfields district, home to around 200 businesses, retailers such as Mulberry and high-end restaurants including The Ivy and Restaurant MCR.

Iain Richardson, director at Johnsons of Whixley, said the company was proud to be part of such a vibrant urban regeneration project.

“We are delighted to be asked to supply our high-quality plants and trees for this ground-breaking redevelopment project that will further enhance what was previously a brownfield site. The apartments are just a stone’s throw from the main attractions of the city centre, a factor which is sure to make them popular.

“Once the development is completed, our supply will help create relaxed green areas where residents can enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There is obviously a great demand for apartments to rent in the city centre and we are proud to be associated with this scheme.”

Wayne Dand, contracts director at Ashlea Limited, added:

“We are delighted with the outcome of this project at Chapel Wharf. As always, Johnsons of Whixley have excelled themselves in working closely with us on the supply and delivery, from start to finish.”