Firm helps to give city a green makeover

Whitehouse Construction has been helping to give Derby city centre a green makeover on behalf of Derby City Council.

The firm has installed new planters around the city centre, giving a fresh and vibrant feel to the area.

Many of the new planters have seating incorporated, which has been designed to be accessible to all visitors.

They have been made possible thanks to cash from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for climate change, transport and sustainability at Derby City Council, said: “This project marks a real step forward in making Derby a greener, more climate-conscious city.

“By adding trees, plants, and accessible seating, we’re turning grey spaces into greener, more welcoming areas.

“Over the last year I have been holding several events with schools across the city as part of the Derby Promise.

“Their voices have been clear; make our city greener. I hope that they like the new greening of our city.

“These changes not only improve the look and feel of our streets, but also support biodiversity, help tackle air pollution and create a more resilient urban environment for the future.”

In a statement, Whitehouse Construction said: “As a leading civil engineering company based in Derbyshire, Whitehouse Construction felt privileged to be involved in such a fantastic, uplifting project, aimed at improving Derby city centre.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the parklets we’ve created around the city being used and enjoyed by the public.”

In 2020, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council secured £161 million from the Transforming Cities Fund to invest in local transport infrastructure that will improve sustainable transport options, support growth, and encourage more low carbon journeys.

As part of this wider vision, Derby’s city centre streets have been reimagined to provide improved access for road users and pedestrians, improve traffic flow, and reduce emissions.

The new greenery and seating has been strategically placed where Transforming Cities infrastructure works have been completed.