Leeds company comes to rescue of Norwich's Eco Park
16 June 2011
A Leeds plastic company has been given a major green light after supplying recycled plastic 'wood' for use in Norwich's first eco park.
CGM Landscapes, who are the principal contractor for the site on Woodcock Road, Norwich, called in Barkston Plastics in Cross Green, Leeds, when they were asked to build a state-of-the-art 'boardwalk as part of the widely publicised facility which opened last month (April).Norwich City Council has been able to transform the former 8000 square metre site, which used to be under utilised parkland, thanks to £100,000 funding from the Big Lottery Children's Play Programme and £60,000 of developer's contributions.
Work started last November and the design was drawn up following extensive consultation with local people. This included working with local school pupils, some of whom made their own Blue Peter style models to show their vision for the park.
Tom Tree, Landscape and General Manager with CGM Landscapes, said: “Norwich City Council knew exactly what they wanted, in terms of the design, the materials they wanted to use, and charged us with making it happen.
“We began our search for suitable suppliers and came upon Barkston who recycle plastic and are able to make almost anything in any shape. We asked for wooden style planks made out of plastic , to use on the boardwalk and they have worked a treat.”
The result is that natural materials and the landscape are now used for and as play equipment.
Barkston supplied recycled plastic decking planks, anchor posts and weight bearing sections for the 70 square metre boardwalk area, which forms part of the wider eco park area.
Jo Dell, Marketing Manager with Barkston Plastics, said: “This really was a unique opportunity for us to display our products in such a high profile environment, and we are delighted that CGM Landscapes placed their faith in us.
“The recycled plastic products we supplied are perfect for the Norwich development because recycled plastic lasts five times longer than wood and is water, chemical and vandal proof”.
Barkston's products are now used across the world in a variety of ways and have been made into railway sleepers, fencing for heavily waterlogged environments – it doesn't rot – and even funky furniture.
“Within the last 10 years recycled plastic has developed into a real 'alternative' product, and is playing a major part in resolving many industry challenges, “added Jo Dell.
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 08/12/2011 - Body Building A Better Fire Engine
- 06/10/2011 - Parish Councils beat vandals with plastic
- 16/06/2011 - Sustainable Options Win Environment Agency Contract
