Planters with Seating for a Greener, More Walkable Derby City Centre

Client

Derby City Council

Location

Sectors

Products & Services

Project overview

As part of Derby’s broader urban transformation strategy, Meristem Design installed and planted a series of custom planters with integrated seating throughout the city centre. These installations support the city’s ambition to create cleaner, more people-focused streets by promoting sustainable travel and making urban spaces more welcoming.

Funded through the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, the planters provide vibrant greenery, rest areas, and a visual uplift to Derby’s evolving transport corridors.

Goal

To support Derby’s transition toward sustainable transport by enhancing key walking and cycling routes with greenery, biodiversity, and accessible public seating, while improving the overall amenity value of the streetscape.

Scope

Installation of a coordinated trail of planters with integrated seating across key city centre locations
Designs to complement new street layouts and public realm upgrades delivered through the Transforming Cities Fund
Delivery aligned with Derby’s air quality improvements, increased pedestrian zones, and sustainable mobility priorities
Planting schemes designed for year-round visual interest with colour, scent and texture

Solutions

Meristem’s bespoke street furniture helped bring the city’s new vision to life.

Custom Planters with Seating

Durable, fully customisable units were designed to support resting spots for cyclists, pedestrians, and bus users - offering comfort and flexibility to all users, including those with limited mobility.

Biodiverse Planting

Each planter features a mix of hardy perennials, pollinator-friendly flowers and shrubs that bring seasonal variation, enhance biodiversity, and soften the urban environment.

Visual Integration

Planters were carefully positioned to align with recent paving upgrades, historic architecture, and transformed traffic routes - amplifying the city’s shift toward pedestrian-first design.

Promotes Sustainable Transport

Helps improve air quality and promotes use of sustainable transport modes by increasing seating capacity for cyclists, pedestrians and bus users.

Impact

The city centre scheme has not only enhanced the image of Derby, but provided many community and environmental benefits.

Urban Greening and Biodiversity

The installations have introduced much-needed greenery into the heart of Derby, a city previously noted for its lack of planting. This supports pollinators, improves air quality, and adds texture to formerly grey streetscapes.

Public Realm Transformation

The combination of planters, seating and new paving has improved the look and feel of central streets, making them more appealing and accessible to residents, workers and visitors alike.

Encouragement of Sustainable Travel

By improving comfort and convenience for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, the project supports the long-term modal shift away from cars—central to Derby’s environmental goals.

Boosting Local Economy and Identity

With cleaner, calmer, and more inviting streets, Derby’s city centre has become a place where people want to linger, socialise, and shop—supporting local businesses and reinforcing the city’s identity as a green and vibrant destination.