Consultancy reveals key role in new public garden

Consulting engineers Rodgers Leask has revealed the important role it played in helping Down to Earth Derby’s new public garden become a reality.

Last month, the Electric Daisy, which has been created on a disused site near Sadler Gate and the Bold Lane Car Park, opened to the public.

An outdoor garden venue has been created in the first phase, which will be followed by food outlets, outdoor dining areas, events space and a nature-themed cocktail bar named Electric Daisy, subject to planning permission.

The project is being driven by Jamie Quince-Starkey, founder and director of Down to Earth Derby, as part of a wider push to encourage nature-led urban regeneration.

A number of Marketing Derby Bondholders have provided their services free of charge to make the project happen, including Rodgers Leask.

The firm, which is headquartered in Derby and has offices across the country, offers structural, civil, geo-environmental and transport planning services across a range of sectors nationwide.

In the case of the Electric Daisy, in support of the planning application for the scheme, Rodgers Leask was commissioned to review all aspects relating to flood risk and drainage.

In a statement, the firm said: “As a business headquartered in Derby, we recognise the benefit that this scheme brings to the local community and the opportunity to increase footfall on the high street.

“We were therefore keen to offer our expertise and support to the planning application process.”

Andy Leask, director at Rodgers Leask, added: “I first met the Down to Earth team several years ago and was immediately impressed with Jamie’s enthusiasm and energy.

“Initially, I helped by introducing the team to several of my contacts and by providing platforms for them to present to useful groups in Derbyshire.

“More recently, through engineering support provided by several disciplines of Rodgers Leask, we have assisted in obtaining the planning approval for Electric Daisy.”