Wixams Green Infrastructure
Designing a distinct network of green infrastructure for a new community in Bedfordshire.
Services: Landscape Architecture
Location: Wixams, Bedfordshire
Date: 2017 - Ongoing
Client: Urban & Civic (Formerly L&Q Estates)
Deliverables: Reserved Matters to Construction
Define have been been providing landscape architecture design services to master developer Urban & Civic (formerly L&Q Estates) for the delivery of an extensive 121ha network of green infrastructure on a site with over 4500 new homes in Bedfordshire. Located on the site of a former munitions factory, the area is being transformed into a vibrant network of green corridors, parks, squares and neighbourhood greens bringing nature and play to people’s doorstep.
From the planning through to the construction stages our design intent has been clear; to dramatise the existing site features such as water courses and the sites rich history, whilst meeting the needs for the new community in terms of play, recreation, active travel and access to nature.
A good example of how those principles are applied is the recently opened Town Park, located at the heart of masterplan. All routes within the wider masterplan extend into the park and meet at a central plaza intended for boules and community events. A 400m circular path extending out over the existing lakes brings walkers, runners, and cyclists closer to nature.
We’re delighted to see the local boules club and walking club using the Town Park even on one of the coldest days of the year! Ultimately it’s seeing people using the spaces we have designed that bring us great joy and the reason why we love doing what we do.
Project Team
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Joe Gerrard
DIRECTOR
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Alex Agnew
ASSOCIATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
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Nathan Beirne
SENIOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT