Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins picked up his spade this week to support Fleming Way's transformation into a green corridor.
Cllr Robbins planted a cherry blossom tree called ‘Sunset Boulevard’ at the eastern end of the revamped road, which is undergoing a £33m transformation to create a new bus interchange to replace the run down existing bus station.
The scheme will also feature new cycleways and public open space. In total, 173 semi-mature trees and 23,000 shrubs will be planted along Fleming Way to transform the road and replace the unwelcoming underpass, creating a brand-new gateway into the area.
This will enhance the surrounding environment, supporting local wildlife and, with some of the trees and bushes also being planted in The Parade and other public spaces, make the walk between the town centre and bus and railway stations more pleasant.
Cllr Robbins said: “I don’t think you could describe me as having green fingers, but I was absolutely delighted to be asked to plant a tree as part of the work to transform Fleming Way into the Bus Boulevard.
“It was the icing, or cherry, on the cake to find out the tree was a ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and I am sure it will add some vibrant colour to the scheme when it is in full bloom.
“It is great to see so much progress being made on site as we are making a real push to accelerate the project to bring the opening forward as much as we can following the delays we experienced with the utility diversions.
“I can’t wait to see the finished scheme and the benefits it will bring to bus users, cyclists and pedestrians and we will then be in a position to demolish the horrible current bus station which does little to create a welcoming environment as you come into the town.”
Crowders Nurseries have sourced the trees and shrubs, incorporating 100 metres of instant hedging including specimen trees, such as Tibetan cherry trees and Himalayan birth trees, to provide vibrant colour while also providing new wildlife habitats.
The company selected the plants and shrubs based on their ability to absorb carbon in order to contribute towards cleaner air in the town centre.
Shrubs including Cornus sanguinea (‘Midwinter Fire’), a vibrant orange branched shrub, was chosen for its ability to capture carbon while surviving in dry environmental conditions.
Autumn berries including the crab apple (Malus ‘Evereste’) and bird cherry (Prunus padus) have also been selected.
The scheme will also feature new cycleways and public open space. In total, 173 semi-mature trees and 23,000 shrubs will be planted along Fleming Way to transform the road and replace the unwelcoming underpass, creating a brand-new gateway into the area.
This will enhance the surrounding environment, supporting local wildlife and, with some of the trees and bushes also being planted in The Parade and other public spaces, make the walk between the town centre and bus and railway stations more pleasant.
Cllr Robbins said: “I don’t think you could describe me as having green fingers, but I was absolutely delighted to be asked to plant a tree as part of the work to transform Fleming Way into the Bus Boulevard.
“It was the icing, or cherry, on the cake to find out the tree was a ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and I am sure it will add some vibrant colour to the scheme when it is in full bloom.
“It is great to see so much progress being made on site as we are making a real push to accelerate the project to bring the opening forward as much as we can following the delays we experienced with the utility diversions.
“I can’t wait to see the finished scheme and the benefits it will bring to bus users, cyclists and pedestrians and we will then be in a position to demolish the horrible current bus station which does little to create a welcoming environment as you come into the town.”
Crowders Nurseries have sourced the trees and shrubs, incorporating 100 metres of instant hedging including specimen trees, such as Tibetan cherry trees and Himalayan birth trees, to provide vibrant colour while also providing new wildlife habitats.
The company selected the plants and shrubs based on their ability to absorb carbon in order to contribute towards cleaner air in the town centre.
Shrubs including Cornus sanguinea (‘Midwinter Fire’), a vibrant orange branched shrub, was chosen for its ability to capture carbon while surviving in dry environmental conditions.
Autumn berries including the crab apple (Malus ‘Evereste’) and bird cherry (Prunus padus) have also been selected.
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