Nine Elms Regeneration: Landscape supply and support

Linear Park, London Square: Brownfield Regeneration

The Project

Nine Elms is one of London’s most ambitious regeneration projects. A former Royal Mail depot, it has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood on the South Bank.

MCM collaborated with a landscape contractor with whom we have a long-standing relationship. The contractor was appointed to deliver Blocks E, F and G of the Nine Elms Linear Park. This is a public realm space, with landscapes at ground level and podiums across the residential buildings. Work began in April 2024 and completed in January 2026.

The wider site saw three landscape contractors operating concurrently. It was a fast-moving, high-pressure environment from day one, and required pinpoint accuracy and programming to ensure all contractors and subcontractors – of which MCM were one.

Why MCM?

MCM have been a trusted supplier of this landscape contractor for over 17 years. It is a relationship built on both trust and results.

For Nine Elms, MCM were selected for their competitive pricing, fast response times and ability to act as a single supply partner across multiple product categories. In a project of this complexity, it was important to the client and contractor to avoid the complexity of managing multiple suppliers.

The MCM deliverables

MCM delivered across every phase of the landscaping programme:

• Primary aggregates for retaining wall foundations, bridge and walkway bases, and roadways
• Recycled Type 3 for rear alleys and paths
• Sub soils for all planting areas, including swales
• Grab muck-away across all areas
• Ready-mix concrete for roadways, bridge slabs, first-floor podium planter foundations, retaining walls, walkway bases and lighting column bases

All materials were supplied with full validation reports and technical submissions, critical in meeting the specification requirements set by the main contractor.

The Challenges Overcome

Urban construction sites leave little room for error and Nine Elms was no exception. Access to podium levels required tower crane lifts. This was where MCM could excel, providing bagged product to a tight schedule, planned well in advance. At ground level, articulated lorries gave way to rigids and tippers as the project neared completion. Logistics had to remain fully flexible and adaptably to constant programme changes.

It was commonplace to manage multiple deliveries from multiple suppliers on the same day. Throughout, MCM maintained regular contact with their contractor – responding quickly, suggesting solutions and resolving any potential issues in a heartbeat.

The Outcome

The project completed on schedule. Material volumes were logged and provided to the client to support their carbon reduction reporting. MCM operated at every stage in line with the client’s sustainability requirements.

In the words of our client’s Project Manager:

“MCM’s fast response and one-stop shop for landscaping projects makes them our first choice on projects of this status and complexity.