Colchester City Council has welcomed the news that the Albert Roundabout project, delivered in partnership with Beth Chatto Gardens, has been shortlisted in the Community Green Space category at this year’s Pro Landscaper Project Awards.
The nomination recognises an innovative and collaborative project that demonstrates how thoughtful planting design can create beautiful, resilient landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.
Commissioned by Colchester City, Essex County Council and Greater Anglia, the Albert Roundabout project transformed a highly visible urban space into a vibrant and ecologically rich green landscape. Drawing on decades of horticultural knowledge and experimentation at Beth Chatto’s Gardens, the scheme embraces a low input approach that prioritises biodiversity, climate resilience and long term sustainability.
Councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Sustainable Development at Colchester City Council, said: “We are delighted to see the Albert Roundabout project recognised at a national level. As part of the wider Fixing the Link project, it plays an important role in improving the experience for people travelling between the station and the city centre, helping to create a more welcoming and attractive route into Colchester.
“Working with Beth Chatto Gardens has helped us create a planting scheme that not only looks great, but is designed to thrive with minimal water and maintenance. It’s a strong example of how we can respond to the climate challenge while improving the experience for residents and visitors alike.”
Inspired by the principles that underpin Beth Chatto's pioneering Gravel Garden, the planting was designed to flourish in nutrient poor, free draining substrates with no irrigation. The carefully selected palette provides year round interest while creating valuable habitat and food sources for pollinators and other wildlife.
"We are incredibly proud to see the Albert Roundabout project recognised by the Pro Landscaper Awards," said Julia Boulton, CEO and Beth Chatto’s granddaughter. "The scheme embodies so many of the values that have guided the Gardens for more than 60 years: working with nature, celebrating the right plant in the right place, and creating landscapes that are as ecologically valuable as they are beautiful. It also demonstrates that even the most functional urban spaces can become places of beauty, biodiversity and inspiration through thoughtful design."
The Community Green Space category celebrates projects that enrich the lives of local people by creating welcoming, accessible and environmentally responsible public landscapes. The Albert Roundabout project has transformed an everyday piece of infrastructure into an inspiring example of how public spaces can respond to the challenges of climate change through innovative planting and sustainable design.
Beth Chatto's philosophy of ecological planting has never been more relevant. As gardens and landscapes adapt to increasing environmental pressures, projects such as Colchester’s Albert Roundabout demonstrate that reduced inputs, increased biodiversity and striking aesthetics can go hand in hand.
The winners of the Pro Landscaper Project Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on July 9th.
Scott Dolling, Partnerships Manager at Greater Anglia, said: “We are delighted to see the Albert Roundabout project shortlisted for this award. For many visitors arriving by train, the route from the station into the city centre plays an important role in shaping their first impression.
The transformation of Albert Roundabout is a strong example of what can be achieved through effective partnership working. By supporting the Fixing the Link programme, we are helping to create a more attractive, welcoming and accessible gateway for rail passengers, while encouraging more people to choose sustainable ways to travel into and around Colchester.”
Councillor Mark Webster, Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure at Essex County Council, said: “Recognition of the Albert Roundabout project reflects the value of high standards in design and delivery.
The scheme has enhanced a key gateway into Colchester, supported biodiversity, and improved the local environment while continuing to serve an important transport function.
It demonstrates how good infrastructure can deliver lasting benefits for residents.”