A 19th Century Market Gets A Green Upgrade

Trinity Square in Middlesbrough has had a market at North Ormesby since 1874. But development over the years gradually led to the elimination of trees and other green space, making this historic marketplace a somewhat stark and unfriendly place.

The Middlesbrough Council wanted to revitalize the space and the surrounding area in order to create a safe, flexible, and vibrant urban space One critical design feature was adding trees that would live a long time, eventually offering shade and protection to people using the market and square. The plans included the demolition of an existing utility block, and the square was resurfaced, given new energy-efficient lighting, street furniture and – of course — trees planted around the periphery.

(Contractors provide simple walk-through compaction over the Silva Cells)

Silva Cells were installed from April to June of 2011, and the market was reopened in August. Silva Cells provide approximately 10m3 of soil per tree in shared planters (meaning trees have access to closer to 15 m3 each). 20 mature Hornbeams were planted and are already helping to create a space that is friendly and inviting.

(Trees in Silva Cells frame Trinity Square’s North Ormesby Holy Trinity War Memorial )

Installation Summary
Total soil volume: 195 m³(10–15 m³ per tree)
Number of Silva Cells: 576 frames, 288 decks
Client: Middlesbrough Council
Contractor: Highway Contruction Services
Installed: April 2011