Green-tech helps to provide a high-line, linear park in Leeds city centre

Main Contractor: Galliford Try

Landscape Contractor: Gavin Jones Ltd

Products Supplied: Green-tree topsoil, Rootmaster compost, ornamental bark mulch, Mona irrigation rings, John Chambers wildflower mix

Like most large cities, urban green space is often in short supply, particularly in places such as Leeds, which was a key manufacturing centre during the Industrial Revolution.

Quality of life, including spending time outdoors, is becoming increasingly more important to people. However, land is always at a premium, especially in the city, and when ground space is in short supply, people start looking skywards. This has led to a marked increase in green roof gardens. But it is not just roofs that provide this opportunity for urban greening, but also abandoned infrastructure, such as the Monkbridge Viaduct, built in the 1840s. The viaduct ceased to be used in the 1960s following the closure of Leeds Central Railway Station and remained in a state of decay and disrepair for over 40 years.

Since then, the Grade II listed railway structure has been transformed into a stunning, 300-metre-long linear garden, named Viaduct Gardens. It connects more than 600 new homes to retail outlets, bars, restaurants, and public spaces as part of The Junction residential development.

It was intended that the new linear park would provide a pleasant green transit corridor for pedestrians while encouraging social interaction between residents. Just like previous projects, such as New York’s High Line elevated railway, which has been converted into a linear green space, as has Manchester’s Castlefield Viaduct.

Green-tech Involvement and Product Supplied

Over a period of 16 months, Green-tech worked in partnership with the main contractor, Galliford Try and the landscape contractor, Gavin Jones, both of whom have a long-standing relationship with Green-tech dating back 20 years.

The viaduct transformation included landscaped pedestrian walkways, lawned areas, and planting beds, featuring a mix of trees, shrubs, and John Chambers Wildflowers 80/20 wildflower mix. Across the 300-metre-long linear park, the largest component by far was the soil. Due to the immense strength of the viaduct, there was no need to use lightweight aggregate, as would normally be required for a podium-type structure, so Green-tech supplied Green-tree BS3882:2015 topsoil in a mix of full loads and bulk bags, depending on the schedule. In total, over 2,000 tonnes of soil was used throughout the site.

Each tree planted was supplied with a Mona Relief Aria irrigation ring, a perforated 60mm Ø pipe ring that sits around the top third of the root ball. When filled via the filler pipe, water is distributed evenly to the rooting area. The Aria filler cap is an open design that allows air into the system, helping to aerate the soil.

Ancillary products included:

• 131 x 80-litre bags of Rootmaster compost to promote strong root development

• 170 linear metres of GT RootBarrier to protect the planting from invasive roots

• 3,000 x 70-litre bags of ornamental bark for surface dressing, help retain moisture and support weed suppression

Impact and Outcome

The finished project not only reconnects the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to the West End of Leeds but also transforms the viaduct into a vibrant linear park that enhances urban biodiversity, encourages community interaction, and provides a calm, green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Its combination of landscaping, planting, and accessible walkways creates a lasting social and environmental legacy in the heart of the city.

Quote

"This was a wonderful project to be involved with and being local to Green-tech in Yorkshire makes it a little bit more special. The huge amount of soil required meant that the logistical aspects and deliveries had to be spot on to dovetail with the landscaping teams. It is always a pleasure to work with the professionalism and organisation of the teams from both Galliford Try and Gavin Jones Ltd."

Alasdair Innes, Green-tech Specification Advisor

Image Credit - Jill Jennings