News Gavin Jones shortlisted at the Pro Landscaper Project Awards for groundbreaking university landscape scheme Date: 22nd May 2025 Share: Celebrating community impact and landscape innovation Gavin Jones is proud to announce that its transformative landscape project at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering has been shortlisted in the Community Green Space Under £250,000 category at the 2025 Pro Landscaper Project Awards. The Pro Landscaper Project Awards, in association with Hortus Loci Landscapes, recognise excellence in UK landscaping across a variety of budget bands and technical specialisms. These prestigious awards are unique in focusing solely on completed landscape projects and are open to all sectors of the industry. Now in their eighth year, the awards showcase the exceptional problem-solving, craftsmanship, and design ingenuity that lie at the heart of the landscaping profession. The 2025 ceremony will take place on 11 July at the De Vere Horsley Estate. Forming part of a spectacular outdoor celebration of landscaping excellence. In the Community Green Space Under £250,000 category, judges are looking for spaces that serve the public good. From charity gardens and community centre spaces to university and memorial gardens. Demonstrating outstanding design, quality construction, and meaningful community impact. A living lab for science and sustainability The Gavin Jones project at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) epitomises these qualities. Working closely with landscape architects Reform Landscape and main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, Gavin Jones delivered a dynamic new ‘Living Lab’. A multifunctional outdoor space designed to support research, teaching, and collaboration. Spanning over 1,800m², the project transformed a formerly hard-surfaced car park into a vibrant, biodiverse environment. Complete with smart infrastructure, rain gardens, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and a rich planting palette tailored to the University’s scientific curriculum. Planting included drought-tolerant herbaceous borders, heathland mixes, and species chosen for their medicinal or ecological value. This was complemented by semi-mature trees to provide instant maturity and structure. The team overcame several challenges during this landscape construction project. From constrained timelines dictated by the academic calendar to the complexities of specialist tree procurement and extensive ground preparation. Despite this, the project was delivered on time and to exacting standards. With high praise received from both the client and architect teams for the quality, innovation, and impact of the finished scheme. The result is a truly transformational landscape that enhances the student experience and improves environmental conditions. Reflecting the university’s commitment to sustainability and scientific discovery. We are thrilled that this remarkable project has been recognised by the judges at the Pro Landscaper Project Awards and look forward to the announcement of the winners in July. Related content View all insights Nurture Landscapes’ Ahtraeo Punter named in Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2025 We are delighted to share that Ahtraeo Punter, Assistant Contracts Manager at Nurture Landscapes, has been recognised in Pro Landscaper’s prestigious 30 Under 30: The Next Generation awards. This accolade highlights the most impressive young talent in the landscaping industry and celebrates Ahtraeo’s dedication, leadership, and vision for the sector. Learn more about Nurture Landscapes’ Ahtraeo Punter named in Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2025 Triple Win for Nurture Landscapes and Gavin Jones at the Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards Nurture Landscapes and Gavin Jones are proud to announce a clean sweep at this year’s Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards, winning in all three categories entered: Grounds Maintenance Company of the Year, Maintenance Contract of the Year, and Commercial Build Over £500k. Learn more about Triple Win for Nurture Landscapes and Gavin Jones at the Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Awards Gavin Jones secures major USAF Grounds Maintenance contract Gavin Jones has commenced a major new grounds maintenance contract across 11 RAF sites. 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