Coventry based landscape contractors The Landscape Group scooped the Grand Award at the prestigious BALI National Landscape Awards.
Held annually to recognise excellence in landscape design, construction and maintenance by members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the BALI National Landscape Awards in association with Horticulture Week were first introduced by the country’s leading landscape trade association in 1976 and this year celebrate their 35th anniversary.
The Grand Award is presented to the BALI member company whose winning scheme is considered, above all other award winners, to exemplify landscaping excellence and truly outstanding professionalism.
Over 650 BALI members, sponsors and guests attended the event – Horticulture Week organised the proceedings – the presentation, timings and visuals were arranged to the very highest standards. Gyles Brandreth hosted the awards, his witty banter and spiky ribbing kept the audience under control and the awards dished out in record time.
The Landscaper table was hosted by top notch advertising and public relations firm Fusion Media. The managing director Christopher Bassett left with our grateful thanks and a much lighter wallet.
GRAND AWARD
Project – The Landscape Group
Client – Media City, Bovis Lend lease
Architect – Katie Morral, Gillespies
A truly impressive extensive hard landscaping scheme which has been undertaken to the highest possible standards at Salford Quays. The logistics in handling and laying the 40 barges of Chinese stone delivered via Manchester Canal from Liverpool to Salford was highly organised. The Contractor had to liaise with many other contractors working on site along with clients moving into the new office accommodation. At the peak over 50 contractors and 2000 staff was working on site.
The soft landscaping element of the work was also undertaken to a very high standard. Both the Client and Contractor are to be congratulated on achieving the work to tight deadlines and within budget.
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: The workmanship on this waterfront scheme is simply outstanding. The logistics were very complex and the level of technical excellence achieved on this high profile landmark provides a wonderful exemplar of BALI, and British, landscape contracting.
The annual BALI National Landscape Awards showcase the high levels of professionalism attained by members of the British Association of Landscape Industries. There are 26 different categories covering domestic, commercial, grounds maintenance, interior landscape and international projects. One Principal Award is given in each category. Finalists that do not win a Principal Award automatically merit a National Award. There is only one Grand Award winner.