Street Furniture and Custom Planters for Hereford City Centre

Client

Hereford City Council

Location

Sectors

Products & Services

Project overview

Meristem Design worked with Hereford City Council on a two-phase, large-scale greening project in Hereford city centre. The scheme involved the design and installation of a range of custom planters and integrated street furniture, increasing green cover while creating new places to sit and socialise.
The project formed part of the £6 million Hereford City Centre Improvements scheme, aimed at enhancing the public realm, increasing footfall, supporting local businesses and improving active travel to create a more welcoming, modern city centre.

Goal

The project aimed to introduce green infrastructure through bespoke planters and street furniture, softening hard urban spaces and improving comfort for visitors. The key goal was to create welcoming spaces for rest and socialising, support local businesses through improved placemaking, and contribute to a more walkable, climate-resilient city centre.

Scope

The project was delivered across multiple locations within Hereford city centre over two phases. In total, 96 custom planters and street furniture units were installed across 13 streets, responding to the spatial, functional, pedestrian and business needs of each location. Key locations include Commercial street and High Town.

Solutions

Meristem Design delivered a coordinated set of bespoke planters and integrated street furniture designed specifically for Hereford city centre. A range of planters were developed to suit different street conditions, combining seating, planting and trees in flexible arrangements. All elements were strategically positioned across the city centre and finished in a colour palette selected to complement the aesthetic of the streetscape.

Custom Planters

Bespoke planters were designed in varying sizes and layouts, allowing for generous and diverse planting that responds to the character and space available at each location.

Integrated Seating

Planters were combined with built-in seating to create places to rest, with some units offering space for multiple people to sit together.

Backrest Options

Some units had backrests to provide additional comfort and accessibility for pedestrians and passers-through.

Strategic Placement

The components were carefully positioned along streets and key routes throughout the city centre to suit pedestrian flows, spatial constraints and existing street features.

Impact

The Hereford city centre greening project significantly enhanced the public realm, creating inviting spaces for residents and visitors while supporting local businesses. By integrating bespoke planters with seating and street furniture, the project improved walkability, comfort, and the visual appeal of the city centre.

Enhanced Green Cover

96 custom planters introduced greenery across 13 streets, greening the streetscape, supporting biodiversity and improving air quality.

Improved Social Spaces

Integrated seating and backrests created welcoming spots for rest, gathering and community interaction throughout the city centre.

Support for Local Businesses

Attractive streetscapes encouraged increased footfall and time spent along the high street, helping local shops, restaurants and cafes thrive.

Better Accessibility

The seating and backrest elements make the city centre accessible for people of all abilities by providing spaces to rest and break up their journey. The strategic placement of the components along the streets also improve the flow of pedestrians.