Landscaping to transform the site of £150 million business park at Junction 24 of M5

A visionary scheme to plant 25,000 trees and shrubs at the £150 million Bridgwater Gateway business park in Somerset is set to get underway.

A landscaping contractor is being sought to undertake a comprehensive planting scheme using local and UK grown from seed species that will transform the 1,000-acre site near Junction 24 of the M5 into a green idyll that will blend seamlessly with the surrounding Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The ambitious project, which will be put out to tender, is part of plans to create a unique working environment for employees based at Bridgwater Gateway, which will feature high-specification office and industrial space plus hotel and local facilities.

Phil Wade, Development Manager for Bridgwater Gateway, which is being marketed by Colliers International, said: “The master plan for Bridgwater Gateway has been developed to make the most of its remarkable setting and views across the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and generous allowance has been made for peaceful locations where employees can enjoy their lunchbreaks and leisure time.

“As part of that we want to engage a local landscaping contractor to undertake an extensive programme of planting over 25,000 trees and shrubs over two growing seasons, although given the scale of work involved it might be that it has to be split into smaller packages across a number of companies.

“The proposed planting sizes will vary across the site from whip native planting to semi-mature avenue tree planting, and will require maintenance for at least 12 months to ensure a successful planting scheme.”

Steve Leahy, chairman of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, said: “Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce whole heartedly supports this creative horticultural venture, which will ensure that the Gateway Development will perfectly compliment the natural beauty of the region.

“As well as providing an attractive and peaceful working environment to future staff on the site, it may also provide some opportunity for those locally within the horticultural and landscaping sector. Congratulation to all involved as your continued commitment to environmental matters is appreciated by all.”