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21/07/2011
Victoria Gardens is declared open!
Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A at Marks & Spencer, and Patricia Swannell, the wife of Marks & Spencer chairman Robert Swannell, were yesterday joined by pupils from Little London Primary School on Leeds City Centre’s giant chess boards to officially reopen Victoria Gardens following the six-month improvement project.
In May 2009 Marks & Spencer pledged £200,000 to develop Victoria Gardens to mark 125 years since the company was founded in Leeds. Victoria Gardens is the flagship project in M&S’ Greener Living Spaces programme and has been funded by the retailer’s 5p* food carrier bag charge and managed by Groundwork Leeds in partnership with Leeds City Council.
Victoria Gardens is one of Leeds City Centre’s most prominent and popular outdoor spaces. It is hoped that the increase in seating and greenery will further establish the site’s position as an ‘urban oasis’ for city workers and residents.
Pupils from Little London Primary School were involved in the consultation phases of the project in order to increase their awareness of sustainability issues. The pupils spent some time prior to the event to see how their ideas have been reflected in the new-look Gardens.
Richard Gillies, said: “The bold decision we made to become the first high street retailer to introduce carrier bag charging has had a hugely positive impact on communities across the UK. With our customers' support, we continue to change consumer behaviour for the better. Over 80% of our customers now bring their own bags with them when they shop with us and the ones that don't have helped fund 100 Greener Living Spaces like Victoria Gardens across UK.
“This ambitious project has created a fantastic green space for the people of Leeds right in the heart of the city. M&S started as a market stall in Kirkgate Market in 1884 and so it is fitting that we should make a substantial donation to the city to reflect the company’s heritage. We’re delighted to have delivered this scheme together with Groundwork Leeds and Leeds City Council and hope the space will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
Adrian Curtis, Executive Director of Groundwork Leeds, said: “This has been a real example of partnership working and we are proud to have worked with so many dedicated people to revitalise this important space."
You can find out more about the project here on our website.
