Creating sustainable and attractive urban areas with Business Improvement Districts
Implementing green infrastructure helps create healthier and more attractive streets and neighbourhoods. At Meristem Design, we work closely with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to enhance public spaces, support local businesses and improve climate resilience in our cities. By incorporating greenery into urban spaces, BIDs can attract more foot traffic, support the local economy, and provide visitors with a welcoming experience.
We design urban greening solutions to meet the specific needs of BIDs, offering tangible benefits to businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Increased footfall
Green, well-mainted spaces can help increase visitor dwell time and encourage more visitors, leading to higher foot traffic for local businesses.
Enhanced visual appeal
Greenery provides colour, texture, vibrancy and movement which can make districts more inviting, safer and relaxing, contributing to happier, healthier people.
Local business improvement
Greening projects can help revitalise underutilised areas, making them more attractive to new businesses and investors. Enhanced outdoor spaces encourage the local community to shop, dine, and socialise within the district, helping to drive revenue.
Improved air quality
Introducing plants to streetscapes helps reduce urban heat, filter pollutants, and contribute to a sustainable and cleaner environment.
Creating healthy streets
Plants and urban greening help improve physical health, filter pollutants and contribute to climate resilience, making areas more sustainable. Through the addition of green infrastructure, cities will see a boost in biodiversity, contributing to healthier ecosystems and wildlife support.
Trees and plants can also help provide shade, helping to reduce urban heat and capture carbon.
Community interaction
Green infrastructure provides places to socialise and interact with neighbours and colleagues, bringing more social cohesion to urban areas. Urban greening has also been found to increase community spirit, reduce crime and overall improve people’s mood and wellbeing.
Exposure to green areas such as parklets not only provides a place to rest and connect with nature, but also can reduce stress and increase productivity, especially for those who frequently work indoors during the day.
Featured products & services
We provide high-quality custom made planters to withstand urban environments and create vibrant, colourful spaces. Bespoke options include various materials, colours, finishes and branding to reflect your BID identity.
Parklets transform small or underused areas with seating, tables, and places to rest, boosting community interaction and increasing foot traffic for local businesses. Pocket parks create inviting green spaces that enhance community engagement and provide a peaceful escape from urban surroundings.
Our projects are rooted in a commitment to sustainability, community impact, and aesthetic appeal. We work closely with each BID to understand their goals and develop designs that align with the district’s identity and strategic vision.
We can provide tailored maintenance packages to keep green installations healthy and vibrant. This includes watering, pruning and pest control.
Get in touch
If you like what you've seen and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does urban greening contribute to combatting climate change?
Urban greening is a potent weapon against the escalating threats of climate change. Green spaces, including trees and vegetation, act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing harmful CO2 emissions. They also combat the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration. Moreover, green spaces play a role in filtering air pollutants and improving overall air quality. These combined benefits not only make cities more liveable but also contribute to global efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Projects like Richmond Road Pocket Park showcase the transformative power of urban greening, highlighting its crucial role in creating sustainable and resilient urban environments.
What are the benefits of community planting?
Community planting is more than just greening an area: it’s about uniting people for a common cause. When communities come together to plant, they create shared spaces that foster a sense of pride and collective ownership. This not only enhances the beauty and biodiversity of the area but also promotes community bonding and cooperation. Additionally, community planting events are educational, allowing participants to learn more about local flora, sustainable practices, and the importance of urban ecology. Richmond Road Pocket Park exemplifies these benefits, where resident involvement has been instrumental in shaping its success.
What green solutions can we offer BIDs?
Depending on your project requirement, we can work with you to produce custom planters, parklets, living walls, street furniture, green screens and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).
How does urban greening benefit local businesses?
Green spaces improve the look and feel of areas, making them more attractive to customers, which can increase foot traffic and revenue. Additionally, greenery can enhance air quality, provide shade, reduce noise, and create spaces for customers to relax and gather, fostering a positive shopping and leisure environment.
What are parklets and how do they enhance BID areas?
Parklets are green outdoor seating areas that turn kerbside space into gathering spots. They provide amenities to residents and visitors by offering seating and greenery that make the district feel welcoming and lively. Parklets are a great addition for BIDs looking to enhance street-level appeal.
How does urban greening contribute to BID sustainability goals?
Urban greening helps reduce urban heat, manage rainwater runoff, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. Sustainable solutions, like SuDS planters, also contribute to eco-friendly water management.
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