Rain Gardens for Sustainable Mobility Hubs | Camden Council, Somers Town

Client

Camden Council

Location

Sectors

Local Authorities

Products & Services

Mobility Hubs

Fabrication

Project overview

To accommodate to the 73% of the Somers Town population that rely on walking, cycling and public transport, we installed five rain gardens to support Camden Council’s Green Mobility Hubs scheme. In line with the visions of Camden Council, these hubs were implemented to support and supply sustainable modes of active transport to residents and passers-through. Meristem designed and installed rain gardens to support the borough-wide project.

Goal

The aim of this project was to enhance active and greener transport in Somers Town and cater to the large population of residents who don’t drive. The Green Mobility Hubs scheme focused on creating greener and more enjoyable streets, cleaning air and providing positive impact on local businesses and residents. Meristem aimed to enhance the social and environmental impact of the project with rain gardens that focus on boosting biodiversity and public experience.

Scope

The first phase of this Mobility Hubs project took place across 5 locations in Somers Town:

Goldington Crescent
Cranleigh Street
Doric Way
Chalton Street
Charrington Street

Meristem strategically designed and planted rain gardens to fit the landscapes of these locations, increase green spaces and enrich the public realm.

Solutions

During phase one of the project, the rain gardens we established were implemented to accompany each Mobility Hub location proposed by the council and to bring about a number of human and environmental impacts. The council are planning to roll out phases two and three of the Mobility Hubs project to transform the area and further enhance green travel.

Strategic Placement

The rain gardens were mapped out and installed to fit the existing landscape, replacing concrete with greenery.

Rich Planting Scheme

A broad range of plants were selected to support this project and bring about visual highlights, improve air quality and enhance public experience.

Supporting Mobility Hubs

The rain gardens are located, positioned and sized to align with pedestrian routes, bike storage and transit access points.

Working with Local Authorities

This project aimed to strengthen both the streetscape and the borough. By collaborating with Camden Council, we were able to tailor the project to suit their environmental and social needs, enhancing community experience across the borough.

Impact

The Green Mobility Hubs project has made active and green transport more accessible in Somers Town. Our rain gardens have enhanced both the functionality and user experience of these transit spaces, delivering both social and environmental benefits.

Improved Water Management

Rain gardens help capture and filter rainwater at the hubs, reducing surface flooding and keeping walking and cycling routes safe and usable.

Enhanced User Experience

The added greenery makes mobility hubs more comfortable, attractive, and inviting for people waiting, transferring, or passing through.

Carbon Offset

The added greenery not only enhances biodiversity but it also contributes to offsetting potential carbon dioxide emitted from transportation activities of the hubs.

Integrated Green Infrastructure

Rain gardens demonstrate how sustainable water management can be seamlessly embedded into transport- focused environments without disrupting human access or flow.