Chepstow Street, Manchester

RRF with the support of the project funders INTERREG IVB and Viridor wanted to pioneer a tree planting specification in Greater Manchester that would demonstrate the value of the Geo-Cellular Raft System and permeable paving as a means for ensuring a good rate of oxygen, moisture, nutrient exchange from the surface to the tree roots below. The project also demonstrated the value of permeable paving in a city centre environment, prone to flash flooding, as a means for reducing surface water run-off.

Representatives from RRF and Manchester City Council worked together on this project to ensure that all aspects of water management and the tree’s healthy root development were considered from the beginning. Geo-Cellular Raft System CAD drawings were prepped for the 16m trench with the help of RRF. Each drawing was considerate of the hard landscaped environment and the proximity of the trees to the road.

After the tender was awarded, representatives from gtspecifier’s product specification team visited the site at Chepstow Street Manchester to assist the contractor (UPM Tilhill) with the installation of Geo-Cellular Raft System. Certain obstacles were overcome during the two-day installation, including proximity to sewers and disused caverns located underneath the tree pit. Due to the flexibility of the Geo-Cellular Raft System, the team was able to overcome all the issues whilst on site and the project continued without delay.