LUC was appointed by Grosvenor Technopole Investment Ltd for the role of Masterplanner and Landscape Architect for this prestigious project. The aim was to create a world-class 100-acre research and development park within the grounds of the designed landscape of grade A-listed Bush House. Ecological advice was also provided regarding the management of protected species populations present in the grounds.The brief was to design an environment to facilitate the growth of organisations using research and technology linked to Edinburgh University. LUC’s design for Edinburgh Technopole was based on simple and robust principles, avoiding gimmicks and fashionable approaches. We sought to develop and sensitively deal with the historic and rural setting of the park in order to provide a landscape setting of high quality.This ‘rural park’ provides an attractive landscape to work in and has undergone extensive woodland management as well as restoration of historic landscape features. LUC’s design also incorporated reinstatement of access routes, now open for enjoyment by local people as well as those working at the park.The protected species management plan was commissioned to ensure that future development and maintenance activities at Edinburgh Technopole were compliant with national and international wildlife legislation. Bat and great crested newt surveys were the focus of the plan, and were surveyed and reported accordingly.Edinburgh Technopole has become a popular and inspirational place to work. Our design contributed to fulfilling the development’s objective of becoming a community of thriving technology organisations. The park is now home to a range of world-class research & technology companies, with expertise including video technology and development services.
