18 May 2011 Lincoln University landscape graduate brings 'power'ful plan to Central London

A Lincoln University landscape architecture graduate is set to stamp a distinctive green mark on the future appearance of Britain’s capital city through a  plan to “forest” the spaces between buildings in Central London’s largest regeneration project, on the site of iconic Battersea Power Station.

Sam Martin, originally from Peel Forest and a South Canterbury farming family,  graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) in 1993 and Master of Landscape Architecture in 1996. He moved to London in 2001 and established his own company, Exterior Architecture Ltd, in 2003, specialising in large scale private residential garden design throughout the UK and Europe.

Now, along with the biggest UK-based landscape firm, LDA Design, Sam’s company has won the multi-million dollar contract for the landscape component of the Battersea Power Station regeneration project.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new park in Central London,” he says. “We will be working to create great public spaces where Londoners and visitors can enjoy spending time.  It will benefit the residents in this part of south-west London and also improve London’s bio-diversity.”

The power station site is the last remaining large riverfront development opportunity in Central London.

The master plan for the 15.4 hectares site is by New York architect Rafael Vinoly and it provides for over nine hectares of open space, including 2.5 hectares of public park. The power station, built in the 1930s, was de-commissioned in 1983. The redevelopment includes residential structures, commercial retail outlets and even a new tube stop.

Sam says the plan is to bring a “forest” feel to the area by greening the spaces between the buildings.

“The forest will feel lush, productive and full of nature and will mediate between the vast brick facades of the power station and the glassy elevations of the new blocks.”

After graduation from Lincoln University Sam worked for a period in Christchurch and designed Canterbury Agricultural Park. Projects in Britain have included the New Zealand Garden in Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park, opened in 2007.