THREE attractive new beds of ornamental grass and pollen-rich flowering plants are set to be created on pedestrian islands next to Leicester Railway Station.
Leicester City Council will install the new planting areas on the central reservations and main pedestrian crossing route, immediately in front of the station, on London Road.
The new beds will be planted with a mix of ornamental grasses and low maintenance flowering herbaceous perennials. This will provide year-round interest and a haven for bees and other pollinating insects. A low rail will also be installed, along with a temporary fencing to help the new planting establish over the first 12 months.
Work to create the new planting areas is due to begin on Monday 7 October, and will take around three weeks to complete.
During the works, a short stretch of the main outbound lane through the central reservations will be closed to traffic. A short, well-signposted diversion will direct general traffic onto the adjacent bus lane, with camera enforcement suspended for the duration of the works.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “This new planting will help brighten and green up this busy route, which is well used by pedestrians, motorists and people visiting the city by train.
“Even on our busy main roads, carefully considered planting can play an important part in helping bees and other pollinating insects thrive, and the plants and flowers help make our streets more visually attractive for everyone.”
Extensive landscaping is also proposed at the entrance to the new station redevelopment scheme which received planning permission yesterday (Wed 2 Oct).