Planning & Design Practice (PDP) have joined Derby’s nature-based regeneration journey by partnering with Down to Earth Derby (DTE) as part of their Corporate Sponsorship programme.
With links to Cornwall’s eco-focused Eden Project, DTE describe themselves as an independent catalyst for nature-based regeneration.
PDP were requested to bring their design expertise to spruce up the toilet area of DTE’s city-centre community garden and event space, Electric Daisy. Launched in June 2023 Electric Daisy is: “A botanical garden meets, late night cocktail bar, in this commercially driven concept.”
PDP were able to use their DIY and creative skills to transform a utilitarian looking Portaloo into something which is much more in keeping with the tranquil garden vibe that DTE are trying to achieve.
On a cold March morning six members of staff arrived with a plan, three inside the toilet decorating and three outside constructing cladding and trellis, upcycling old sheds and bits of salvaged wood.
The design inside the toilet was created using acrylic paints and now hand painted electric daisies adorn the walls. The woodwork was painted black to modernise and the overall effect was much fresher than before and ready to welcome guests when the venue reopens soon.
DTE’s business strategy and scalability lead Ross Nicholson said: “Big shout out to Planning & Design Practice for becoming a corporate sponsor at Electric Daisy and for a great day converting our shabby toilet block (inside and out) into a shed (kind of!) which blends much better with the community garden and events space.
“A brilliant day’s work, which means we can now crack on with letting nature do its thing – growing stuff up, in and around it.”
As well as working on the relaunch of Electric Daisy, Down to Earth Derby have also been commissioned by Wavensmere Homes to create an expansive community garden within its Nightingale Quarter development, on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.
The £40,000 pilot project will see an interactive garden and allotment space created on the 18.5-acres and is planned to be unveiled in late spring. If successful the approach will be rolled out across Wavensmere’s city-wide portfolio, creating magnets for nature, wildlife, and people across the city.
