Meristem Designs First Overseas Parklets in Ireland

Following a successful tender process, Meristem Design was selected to be the contractor to design, fabricate and install 4 parklets across 3 Town centres in Northern Ireland. The outdoor seating areas were funded through the Department for Communities as part of its Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme.

Working with Mid & East Antrim Council, Meristem helped to identify suitable locations for the Parklets. The locations didn't have as many constraints as busy city centres found in England and as such, there was more flexibility in the spacial design of the Parklets.

The parklets, installed in Larne, Ballymena and Carrickfergus are modular in design, meaning each town centre’s Parklet has the same semantics and theme as one another, yet a completely different configuration. 

The parklets were designed at each site to fit with its surroundings and complement the streetscape. For example, the Carrickfergus Parklet is nestled between the coastal road and sleepy streets of the town oriented toward the castle to allow visitors to relax with stunning views.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said: “As a Council, we are committed to providing designated facilities that encourage citizens across the borough to get outside and realise the benefits of fresh air and exercise for both their mental and physical wellbeing.“These bespoke seating areas and Parklets are fully-accessible and provide an ‘oasis of calm’ in our town centres for citizens of all ages to enjoy the environment around them, whether enjoying a quiet moment in their busy day or enjoying the company of others.”

Material selection and planting was considered thoroughly for these Parklets, challenging coastal conditions had to be considered to ensure the long term sustainability and success of the Parklets.

Despite many challenges, mostly to do with the COVID-19 Pandemic and shipping paperwork changes due to Brexit the team thoroughly enjoyed the installation process. The backdrop of the area, filmed in Game of Thrones offered the team a well deserved change of scenery and break from the busy city.