24 October 2011
Victoria BID has announced plans to implement a series of Green
Infrastructure pilot projects across Victoria.
The BID is spearheading the introduction of
several roof gardens, rain gardens and living walls which are due
for completion by the Spring of 2012. This is the first time any
central London Business Improvement District has been instrumental
in changing the built environment by retrofitting several permanent
green features to counter environmental issues identified within
the city.
The most favourable locations for rain
gardens have been selected following a survey conducted earlier
this year. ‘Greening’ Victoria will encompass the introduction of
small-scale flood management features into a predominantly hard and
urban environment.
Confirmed sites include the John Lewis
Group head office on Victoria Street. In addition, several sites
have now been confirmed for the retrofitting of roof gardens - the
Park Plaza Victoria hotel, 16 Palace Street (owned by Land
Securities and occupied by DP World and 3i), as well as the roof of
John Lewis Group itself.
These exciting new projects follow on from
the commissioning of a Green Infrastructure Report by Victoria BID
last year, which was used as a case study outlined in the recent
Government White Paper, The Natural Choice, Securing the Value of
Nature. The main objective of this report was to look at what
existed in the area and provide a range of possible outcomes for
increased rainfall attenuation benefits associated with increased
‘green features’. Also of high importance: biodiversity
enhancement; climate adaptation; amenity value; human wellbeing and
aesthetic enhancement.
Martin Kelly, Capita Symonds and Chair of
Victoria BID Clean & Green steering committee, said: “We look
to harness the expertise and potential within the industry to raise
awareness, reward commitment and devise innovative solutions to
issues that could be used in real situations to create a positive
impact.”
Several key sites in Victoria SW1 were
surveyed by Land Use Consultants as a consequence and have led us
to this point of implementing schemes as part of commitment by the
BID to create a greener Victoria, whilst supporting the planned
redevelopments already underway in the area. All green initiatives
financed and managed through the BID play a key role in ensuring a
sustainable and prosperous environment for the benefit of business
as well as visitors to and residents of Victoria.
About Victoria Business Improvement District (Victoria
BID)
Victoria BID provides a platform for
businesses to work together to improve and enhance the urban
context of Victoria. Guided by businesses and organisations based
within the SW1 area, the Victoria BID team are shaping Victoria’s
future development. We have established a full programme of
initiatives, services and events to deliver during the first
five-year term of the BID.
These will be further complemented by new
proposals for regeneration of the area that will help reposition
and strengthen Victoria’s offer as a central business district over
the next decade. Further information about our green theme can be
found at: http://www.insw1.com/