Case study Rob Burrow Centre Share: Creating a restorative landscape at the Rob Burrow Centre for MND Gavin Jones delivered the landscape works for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, creating an accessible and restorative outdoor environment designed around the needs of patients, families and staff. Working for main contractor I&G Construction on behalf of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and alongside landscape architects Re-form Landscape, Gavin Jones completed the landscaping within a seven-week programme in November 2025. The £152,701 project formed part of the redevelopment of the former Seacroft Hospital site, with the landscape playing an important role in supporting both the environmental and wellbeing objectives of the new centre. A landscape designed around people The outdoor spaces were designed to support the specific needs of people living with MND. A smooth, continuous circular walkway provides space for patient movement and guided walking or wheelchair sessions, while graded pathways accommodate wheelchairs, walking aids and monitoring equipment. Seating was positioned throughout the landscape, with different heights whilst sheltered and open-air options provide flexible places to rest. The planting scheme also creates a sensory environment, with more than 5,000 shrubs, herbaceous plants, bulbs and edible plants providing colour, texture and seasonal interest. A greenhouse was installed for centre users to propagate vegetables and cut flowers, providing an opportunity to engage with the landscape while supporting wellbeing. Supporting biodiversity Biodiversity was a key consideration throughout the landscaping works. The scheme included: 470m² of wildflower turf, providing an instant, pollinator-friendly habitat 34 newly planted trees More than 5,000 shrubs, herbaceous plants, bulbs and edible plants Retention of existing mature trees within the site The trees also contribute to improved air quality, urban cooling and mental wellbeing, while the wider planting provides habitat and supports biodiversity. Responsible use of resources The project incorporated a number of measures to reduce waste and use resources responsibly. Existing subsoil from the brownfield site was reused, alongside 900 tonnes of manufactured Greentech GT2 soil sourced from an approved supplier. UK-grown plants supplied for the project were grown in peat-free substrates, while timber crates used for plant deliveries were collected by the supplier for reuse. Water butts were installed to support rainwater harvesting, and sustainably sourced FSC timber was used for the benches and handrails. . The furniture was designed for longevity to extend replacement cycles and reduce material waste. During establishment, Gator slow-release watering bags were used for the newly planted trees. This helped reduce water use, minimise watering visits and support successful plant establishment. Local labour was sourced within a 25-mile radius, with local Yorkshire suppliers and subcontractors used where possible to reduce travel distances and emissions. A collaborative approach Regular site meetings and inspections with the landscape architect helped ensure the works were completed to specification and right first time, reducing the need for adjustments and snagging. Local school children were also involved in planting on site, helping connect local people with the new landscape. The landscaping was delivered to the agreed completion date and budget within the seven-week programme. A landscape with long-term value The completed landscape provides a biodiverse and accessible environment that supports the wider purpose of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND. By combining specialist accessibility requirements with biodiversity, sustainable resource use and opportunities for interaction with nature, the project demonstrates how landscape construction can contribute to the experience and wellbeing of people using a specialist healthcare environment. Share:
