Background

Mayfield in Manchester has a rich industrial history and is on its way to becoming a thriving mixed-use community right in the bustling city centre. At its heart is the new Mayfield Park, 6.5 acres of green public space on the banks of the River Medlock. Designed by Studio Egret West, the park provides a haven of open space for all to enjoy within this new urban development. 

Requirements

“A key part of our approach was to ensure the new park was authentically connected to its industrial past”, explains Duncan Paybody, Director of Landscape at Studio Egret West, lead landscape architects for the scheme and park designers. 

The architects were also keen to materials that would not look out of place or dated 100 years on.

Sustainability was at the heart of the design for the park so using regionally sourced materials was an important factor. 

Solution

Ketley Staffordshire blue diamond chequered clay pavers were specified by Studio Egret West, primarily for their heritage connection. 

The authentic blue brick colour of Ketley pavers and their traditional character and pattern suited the context of this site. The old historic railway depot with its original Staffordshire blue brickwork still lies alongside the park. Staffordshire clay pavers were often used in Victorian times beside canals and waterways, railways and industrial developments where you can still find them today; they have passed the test of time. 

82,000 Staffordshire blue diamond chequered clay pavers, supplied through Hardscape Products Ltd, were laid in the park to provide hard landscaping for pathways. Their traditional diamond pattern provides extra traction underfoot in wet conditions. 

Made from Etruria marl clay, Ketley's Staffordshire clay pavers are strong and durable.

Outcome

The River Medlock has been uncovered and opened up after more than 50 years under concrete, so that it meanders through the park introducing nature and attracting wildlife to this urban space and connecting it to the Medlock Valley. Many industrial artefacts, recovered from the site, have been scattered throughout the design, carefully placed to blend with the landscape and contribute to the industrial character.