Transforming an historic viaduct into a vibrant linear park at the heart of Leeds

Highline Investments Ltd, a forward-thinking developer, is behind one of Leeds’ most ambitious regeneration schemes. Located on the edge of the city’s west end, “The Junction” comprises 665 contemporary apartments spanning five residential towers of up to 21 storeys. At the heart of this regeneration scheme is the Grade II listed Monk Bridge Viaduct, which was once part of the 1846 railway network and dormant since 1967. The goal of the project was to reimagine this historic structure through a regeneration landscaping approach. Creating a vibrant elevated linear park that connects residential living with cafes, retail and public space, while celebrating its Victorian heritage.

Galliford Try, one of the UK’s leading construction groups, served as the main contractor for the scheme. With a strong track record in delivering high-quality building and infrastructure projects. Their role involved coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing complex site logistics and ensuring the programme remained on track despite tight timescales and access limitations.

Ares Landscape Architects were the design practice responsible for shaping the planting scheme, known for their thoughtful, site-responsive designs. Ares developed a regeneration landscaping plan that would enhance the viaduct’s historic form while creating a modern, community-centred green space. This collaborative approach ensured the landscaping seamlessly aligned with both the architectural heritage and the client’s broader placemaking objectives.

Monk Bridge (The Junction) entrance sign surrounded by landscaping foliage

Bringing life back to an elevated landmark

Highline Investments needed a public realm that would act as a social anchor for residents and visitors alike, a space that offered pocket parks, outdoor events areas and encouraged community interaction. However this regeneration project came with several unique landscaping challenges:

The viaduct’s elevated position meant every material had to be craned onto site, while access to the private courtyards was restricted to narrow pedestrian walkways.
There was mounting pressure to meet deadlines as three residential buildings needed to open in tandem with the park, despite delays from other contractors.
The regeneration had to meaningfully connect people with place, respecting the historic structure while creating something truly contemporary and vibrant.

Galliford Try, felt a mix of excitement and pressure, with high expectations from Highline Investments, the local community and stakeholders. A flawless execution was critical to the success of the wider scheme.

Tailored planting solutions that respected heritage and design

Gavin Jones Ltd, part of Nurture Group, was brought on board by Galliford Try to deliver the soft landscaping component of this transformation. Working in close partnership with Ares Landscape Architects, the team implemented a planting design that enhanced the viaduct’s architecture while supporting biodiversity and long-term goals.

The scheme included:

Planting of 68 mature trees
Installation of 40,789 shrubs, bulbs and native species
Creating green pockets that encourage dwell time, biodiversity and visual interest across the elevated park

Every detail of the planting was chosen to complement the viaduct’s heritage and serve the community’s evolving needs.

Aerial regenerated landscape photo of Monk Bridge viaduct, with liner green landscape across canal.

Phased delivery and collaborative management for seamless execution

Delivering the soft landscaping at Monk Bridge required careful planning. It also demanded agile coordination and constant communication with all stakeholders. Gavin Jones Ltd worked closely with Galliford Try and Ares Landscape Architects throughout the process. Ensuring the landscaping was installed effectively, even as the site opened to the public and construction activity continued around it.

One of the most significant logistical challenges stemmed from the viaduct’s elevated position. With no standard access for vehicles or machinery, all materials had to be craned into place from ground level. This required precision logistics and constant coordination.

“As the viaduct opened to the public mid-programme, it became essential to maintain high levels of site safety and organisation. To manage this, Gavin Jones adopted a phased approach, fully completing each bed before progressing to the next. This allowed only one active zone at a time, enabling public access to safely resume without exposure to live works.” – Ricky Whiteman, Head of Estimating (North)

The private courtyard gardens added further complexity. With access limited to pedestrian routes, the team transported all materials manually using wheelbarrows. This demanding task added significant physical and logistical pressure. However, the Gavin Jones team tackled it with professionalism and focus, ensuring every deadline was met.

Key regeneration landscaping strategies included:

Enhanced health and safety measures, with sectioned work zones and clear demarcation.
Continuous liaison with Galliford Try and other trades to avoid clashes.
Daily checks and phased deliveries to streamline operations.

Despite the challenges, the Gavin Jones team remained on schedule and delivered a clean, safe and high-quality finish. Their attention to detail and strong communication ensured the landscaping integrated smoothly into the wider regeneration effort. Enhancing the aesthetic and functional value of the viaduct for the Leeds community.

Regenerated public viaduct walkway with community green spaces and soft landscaping surrounding

Open access residential garden spaces, separated by soft landscaping and florals

Delivering long-term value through regeneration landscaping

The transformation of the disused Monk Bridge Viaduct into a vibrant elevated park represents a significant achievement. Not just in terms of landscaping, but in creating a valuable green corridor that brings together community, history and ecology in the heart of Leeds. Highlighting the power of regeneration landscaping to shape liveable, sustainable cities.

Gavin Jones Ltd’s soft landscaping contribution played a vital role in delivering the project’s vision. Providing a strong visual identity while enhancing the everyday experience for residents and visitors. The completed planting scheme has already established itself, with positive feedback from the client, landscape architects and the local community.

From historic relic to city landmark:

Increased community engagement: The linear park now functions as a communal space that invites residents and the public to gather, walk, relax and interact – creating a sense of shared ownership and place.
Enhanced biodiversity: The introduction of over 40,000 plants and 68 mature trees has significantly boosted the site’s biodiversity, contributing to the city’s wider green infrastructure targets and supporting pollinators and urban wildlife.
Positive public perception: Since opening, the space has received enthusiastic feedback from local residents and visitors, quickly establishing itself as a valued landmark in the heart of Leeds.
Improved site connectivity: The viaduct now links residential buildings to Wellington Place and other nearby amenities, helping to drive footfall to local businesses and activate the area.
Long-term placemaking value: The thoughtful selection of planting ensures seasonal interest and longevity, contributing to the long-term appeal and resilience of the space.

The completed soft landscaping not only met aesthetic and ecological goals, but also helped the client hit key programme milestones and deliver early value to the wider development. The landscape has played a vital role in reconnecting the site to the city and setting a new benchmark for regeneration projects in the region.

A senior representative from Ares Landscape Architects praised Gavin Jones for bringing their design vision to life, stating:

“We are absolutely delighted with the quality of the planting installation at Monk Bridge. It is a challenging site and there was a lot of local interest in what we were going to do with the viaduct. Now it’s open to the public, the response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive.

The planting was a key component of the overall project, and the team from Gavin Jones bought into what we were trying to achieve with the design. The care they took and their attention to detail has been fundamental to the project’s success.”

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Whether you’re delivering a large-scale regeneration scheme, revitalising a historic site or looking to enhance the green infrastructure of a new development, our expert teams are here to help.

Gavin Jones bring proven expertise in regeneration landscaping and soft landscape construction. Collaborating with architects, contractors and developers to deliver sustainable, high-quality results that connect people with place.

If you’re seeking a partner who understands the complexity of public realm delivery and the value of green space, we’d love to hear from you.