Project to transform land at office park near Cheltenham bags green award
Property managers who led on a project to transform land around an office park so staff could better access nature and boost their mental health have won a green award for their efforts.
Fisher German’s commercial property management team led on the restoration and rejuvenation of the land around Grange Park in Bishops Cleeve, near Cheltenham, a 185,000 sq ft complex of newly refurbished high spec office space set in 14 acres of green parkland – on behalf of its client Wesleyan Assurance Society.
The project led to Fisher German winning a Green Apple Gold Environment Award, which recognise companies and organisations going the extra mile for the environment, in the Property & Estate Management: Offices Habitat & Diversity category.
It is awarded by The Green Organisation, an independent environment group, dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.
Kerry Whitehill, head of Midlands commercial property at Fisher German, said: “A lot of research suggests contact with the natural environment can reduce stress in the workplace. This restored green space at Grange Park is a new way for the site to cultivate a healthy workplace, combat stress and promote health.
“It’s fantastic that this work has been recognised with a Green Apple Gold award, and we’re looking forward to working on future projects like this to benefit offices up and down the country.”
Working with a range of partners, Fisher German set out to restore access to a natural pond and embankment to the north of the site.
Rotten trees were pollarded, overgrown areas were cut back, and new paths were created to restore access to the site.
Biodiversity was also prioritised by the introduction of strategic plant species, the installation of bird and bat boxes, and setting up new beehives on the outskirts of the area to pollinate flowers.
Fisher German also helped Grange Park source its energy from 100% renewable sources, including the installation of solar panels on its roof., these were a client initiative as part of a client led refurbishment project.
Building manager at Grange Park, Phil Moran, said: “We’re really pleased with the outcome of the project – the tenants love it and it has made the site much more welcoming as the work has created a natural biodiverse environment for staff to enjoy and relax in.
“Feedback from our tenants and our neighbours has been very positive, and its testament to Fisher German’s expertise that the team was able to complete this project as efficiently and as cost-effectively as they did.
“We’re looking forward to spring and summer when the tenants can really begin to enjoy the positive effects of having a lovely natural green space to enjoy at their place of work.”
Joe Curlett, head of property at Wesleyan, commented: “This latest endorsement is further recognition of the health and wellbeing initiatives we have been busily putting in place to maximise enjoyment for everyone using Grange Park.”
