Hope yet for city centre tree which faces axe
A MUCH-loved city centre tree could be given a reprieve after city bosses revealed plans to revisit plans to revamp Centenary Square.
Surveyors have been called in to check the root system of the London plane tree, which is at least 80 years old, to see if anti-terrorism measures in the form a concrete benches with deep foundations can be built around it. Saving the tree could also impinge on the design of a nearby water feature, it has been revealed.
The tree was set to be chopped down by the end of January.
Council deputy leader Ian Ward said: “The need for these security measures still stands, which is why we are currently investigating possible alternative options which could potentially see the tree retained without the need to move the water feature and its important security measures. Surveys to identify the exact location of the tree’s roots in order to establish whether or not these options are viable are due to take place this week.
“We fully understand the concerns expressed regarding this tree and no one wants to remove a tree unnecessarily. It should also be remembered that 59 new trees will be planted in place of the 25 scheduled for removal.”
The mature tree, probably the oldest in the core city centre, is at risk due to major construction work proposed around it – including the £10 million redesign of Centenary Square. Last year Metro bosses claimed it was in the way of the proposed tram line extension to Centenary Square, only to backtrack later.
Then the council claimed it had to go to make way for the barricade of concrete benches designed to prevent a Berlin or Nice-style lorry attack.
The council initially said it could not relocate the benches without cutting the space available for a proposed water feature and major events such as the big wheel and ice rink.
Opponents of the plan, including the Civic Society, have pointed out the sturdy tree would also halt a lorry. Broad Street business chief Mike Olley also claimed the Metro and anti-terror measures were excuses and the council should own up to simply wanting to get rid of the “old and knobbly” tree.