Ground-breaking Eco Project planned for Swan

10 January 2008

The popular Swan Hotel in Stafford has commissioned BBC TV's landscaping expert Mitch Westwood of Brocton based Westwood Solutions, to create a stunning new outdoor environment, transforming their current rear courtyard into an imaginative, eco-friendly high-tech entertainment venue for the town centre, as well as providing a superb resource for local businesses.

The redevelopment plans include substantial investment in sustainable technology, such as rainwater harvesting and low energy lighting, designed to significantly reduce the venue's carbon footprint.

Chris Lewis, Managing Partner of the Lewis Partnership, owners of The Swan, explains that discussions were initially triggered by the smoking ban introduced last year, but says Mitch Westwood's involvement quickly broadened the scope of the project.

"Originally we were discussing the introduction of smoking shelters, but Mitch had a really exciting vision for The Swan," he confirms. "Naturally, our plans had to be sensitive to the history of the Grade II* listed building. However, Mitch's experience, together with the quality of his work and the connections he has with other potential high profile partners for the project, convinced us of the way forward. Our commitment is to create an attractive, sustainable and versatile outdoor area, able to cater for live music, family celebrations and business events, structured for the enjoyment of smokers and non-smokers alike. We are working alongside local business people, with the support of the local community and the local council, to bring this vision for Stafford centre to fruition."

The rainwater harvesting system, which will be installed as part of the new project, will gather rain from the hotel roof and store it for automatic watering of flower beds in the courtyard. The system is expected to save over 2,000 litres of water per week.

Other aspects of the redevelopment include a low energy, computer controlled LED lighting system, able to create different colours and special effects, as well as 'Fedges' - mobile, self-contained living screens, which are half hedge, half fence - designed by Mitch Westwood to allow the area to be configured differently according to specific requirements.

Central to the project is a new bandstand/stage area, complete with a large 3m x 1.2m retractable media screen, which can be used to project live images during live entertainment, or link in real time to remote webcams for business conferences or at family events where distant relatives or friends can 'join' the celebrations electronically.

Subject to planning permission, Chris Lewis anticipates completion of the project in early spring and will be arranging a major launch event at The Swan over Easter.

Mitch Westwood is working at the forefront of sustainable landscaping and has appeared regularly on BBC TV, providing expert opinion on landscaping work, both on Watchdog and Rogue Traders. He is also an award winning garden designer with over thirty years experience, and a Vetting Officer & Adjudicator for the independent industry body, BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries).

Further information from:

Megan Dunmore, MDPR. Tel: 01283 840176

Ben Sutcliffe, Sponge Marketing. Tel: 01785 891900 Mob: 07966250434