Challenge

Bailey Streetscene was appointed by Bowmer + Kirkland to deliver a complete external furniture package for a new extension to Fosse Park retail outlet near Leicester. Bowmer + Kirkland have a long history with the location, having built the original shopping destination in 1989. The development has 9 new retail units, a newly redeveloped food court with space for 16 food and drink establishments, and a large car park to facilitate electric car charging bays.

Solution

Bailey Streetscene’s knowledge and guidance was key for the project with the need for cycle parking and shelters, bespoke litter bins, bollards, seating, and a number of substantial Inspira planter units to run along the front of the newly built retail units.

The flexible design of the Inspira planter system played a huge role in meeting the aesthetics and environmental aspect of the scheme. Inspira can create planter beds to most sizes required. Some of the planters at Fosse span over 36m in length and can hold up to 64 tonnes of soil providing 103m² of planting beds for all-year-round foliage, creating a biodiverse and visually attractive outcome. When combined with the green walls, insect hotels and wildflower areas they form a large part of the 54,000 sq ft of greenery at the site.

The curved Inspira Form design was also utilised to surround the circular retail spaces. Inspira Form allows for more organically-shaped installations creating a visually attractive and unique planter bed.

The chosen finish for the planters was corten, a natural weathered steel that requires little or no maintenance and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Corten can be a divisive material within the construction industry, but at Fosse it stands up well and complements the surrounding architecture alongside the timber cladding of the buildings.

The planter beds are also dotted with integrated timber-topped seating elements, some of which also serve as storage units for power outlets and sprinkler controls.

To continue its environmental considerations, the retail park specified a considerable number of cycle parking spaces to encourage and promote travel to the area via bicycle. Bailey's Heron shelter provides cover for the bikes. It features a simple cantilever design with ample space beneath for manoeuvrability.

A custom litter bin was designed for the location using the principal design of the Ascot litter bin. This bin features a powder-coated frame and a timber-fronted door with laser-cut lettering to identify waste type. The bin units stand together in rows of 3 to divide waste up appropriately.

Deacon Cube timber benches are dotted around the park and provide durability and a clean design.

Outcome

The opening of the extension was delayed from 2020 until April 2021 due to the Pandemic. The 140,000 sq ft extension has expanded capacity at the shopping park by 40% with a £168m investment. The whole site supports more than 2,000 jobs and the new-build saw almost £2.5m contracts given to local suppliers.