Young designer wins award for green Manchester initiative
A YOUNG designer at architecture firm BDP has won an environmental leadership award from Manchester’s Junior Chamber of Commerce International (JCI) for his work on the Manchester Garden City Initiative.
Steve Merridew, 30, was awarded the 2011 Environmental Leadership Award in this year’s Young Talent Awards for his work on the voluntary scheme, which aims to enhance the provision and quality of green spaces in the city.
The judging panel for Young Talent Awards was made up of JCI Manchester past presidents, including Yorkshire Bank senior partner Paul Nielsen; owner of The Market Restaurant, Gary Newborough; consultant at Davis Blank Furniss and Manchester’s honorary consul to Japan, Peter Heginbotham; and Anish Kapoor, chief executive officer and co-founder of global web conferencing and collaboration provider Yuuguu.
Merridew said: “The grow boxes at Piccadilly Basin have been particularly successful. Originally people were sceptical of the scheme, expecting that the boxes would be neglected and vandalised. Instead over 30 residents have signed up to take part in looking after the boxes.
“The local community have really embraced the scheme, which is great, as this is something that can be replicated across Manchester.”
He is now working with CityCo for the delivery of Manchester Garden City, which includes plans for the transformation of wasteland at the NCP Car Park on Thomas Street into a green community hub. An application is also being made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to revamp the neglected Roman Gardens in Castlefield.
Other winners of the 2011 Young Talent Awards were:
Business Accomplishment Award
Sarah Jane Watkins, Huxley Associates
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Lee Raynor, Collaboras Legal
Legal Professional of the Year
Kai Graf von Pahlen
Financial Professional of the Year
Kusal Ariyawansa, Appleton Gerrard
Philanthropist of the Year
Adam Westbrook, Blemain Group
International Impact Award
Tom Pearce, International Nuclear Services
Contribution to the Community Award
Jeremy Myers
