New arrivals

This week saw the arrival of new benches as part of phase 1 of the Green Heart. The benches have been installed on the patterned paving circles, nicknamed ‘hubs’, along the new pathways currently being laid; find out how you helped to pave the Green Heart here.

The benches have been made by a small manufacturer in Sheffield, Bramhall 1840 Ltd, to a bespoke design for the Green Heart. They also include integrated LED lighting underneath the seats to enhance visibility at night. The inclusion of increased seating areas and improved lighting were both suggestions which arose through the University’s consultations prior to the project’s launch.

For the meantime, the benches have been covered by blue wrappers to keep them safe. We are also gearing up for phase 2 of University Square’s transformation, which will begin later this month, as materials such as benches and stone begin to arrive onsite.

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These look comfortable!

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All wrapped up and safe

How you helped to pave the way?

In December 2016 and January 2017, our Green Heart student ambassadors braved the elements in University Square to take your votes in the Paving Poll. With voting also online, the Poll closed on 27 January with over 1,500 votes from University staff and students, and the local community. Thank you to everyone who voted. Your top picks were Pumpkin Patch, Squirrel Stash, Frosty Branch, Tree Carving and Birds Nest.

The Poll was a valuable tool in shaping the Green Heart and we will be incorporating three of your top five pavings.

For the criss-cross paths within University Square the Green Heart project team have selected Birds Nest.  We also agree that it would be best to use a red slab, particularly on the central path to Old Joe as this is historically appropriate. Both red pavings, Pumpkin Patch and Tree Carving, scored highly in the Poll, but we will only use one. Finally, we have favoured granites over concrete pavings, and this was evident in your feedback with granites taking prominence in your top choices.

The final selection of paving was based on a complex series of choices which the Poll fed into. Throughout this process we have consulted experts, interest groups and landscapers regarding considerations including aesthetics, colour, appropriateness to the historic environment, life expectancy, cost and accessibility for users.

We will share these recommendations with the contractors and look forward to seeing your favourite materials transform the Green Heart over the next year.

Take a tour of the Green Heart

From May 2016, the University undertook extensive public consultations in collaboration with Nomad RDC Ltd to gather your ideas for the Green Heart. Thank you to everyone who gave their views and ideas. Your suggestions have now been explored and incorporated into the Green Heart, and you can read the Green Heart Consultation Results now. Why not take a tour of our new campus parkland as well and see how your space is taking shape…

 

The consultation results are in!

From May 2016, the University undertook extensive public consultations in collaboration with Nomad RDC Ltd. These were undertaken to thoroughly understand the needs of our staff, students and local community to make sure that the new space is centred around you. Thank you to everyone who gave their views and ideas. Your suggestions have now been explored and incorporated into the Green Heart. Here are just some of the ways your ideas have shaped the vision:

  • A range of wild flowers and native plants, 160 new trees, water features and nesting sites
  • Space for markets, performances and events, including a grass auditorium and outdoor cinema
  • A new café and bar
  • Energy saving technologies, zoned lighting and energy generating paving
  • Improved signage and access to information
  • Dedicated areas for art, sculptures and the University Collections

Read the full Green Heart Consultation Results now!

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Thank you for helping us to shape the Green Heart vision