Kingston Council awards new green spaces and tree management contracts for 2021-2028

Both contracts will start on 1 November, 2021, and last for seven years.
 
Glendale Services, who have been awarded the green spaces contract, will maintain the borough’s open spaces, including parks, playgrounds, housing estates and highways verges. 

The new contract will help the council work towards its goal of a more naturalistic approach, where appropriate. This approach was overwhelmingly supported in a consultation prior to the contract going out to tender.

As well as a firm commitment to nature conservation, Glendale Services will bring its expertise in the leisure sector to Kingston. This includes the aim to increase participation in physical activity across our open spaces.

The contract also fits with the council’s priorities for its communities and the wider environment. As well as providing dedicated support for community groups working to enhance our parks and open spaces, the new contract signifies a move towards electric vehicles and equipment and a reduced reliance on the use of chemicals.

Additionally, the new contract meets the commitment to paying the London Living Wage and provides opportunities for local people to develop skills and employment opportunities through an apprenticeship programme.

Advanced Tree Services (ATS) have been awarded the contract for the provision of arboricultural services - the management of council-owned trees within the borough. As the existing provider of this service, the Council will work closely with them to bring about the requirements of a more modern contract arrangement. 

Although ATS will carry out tree surgery and tree planting activities, decisions around the management of trees remain with the Council.

Both of these contracts will increase use of monitoring technology - including Glendale Live, an online system that residents can use to see activities taking place in real time. Full oversight from residents and increased monitoring means that the Council will be able to ensure a high level of service throughout.  

Councillor Stephanie Archer, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainable Transport, said:

As a council, we know how important our parks and green spaces are to our residents, and we hope to build on already high resident satisfaction levels with these two new contracts.

Biodiversity and natural spaces are always at the forefront of our minds, and I am confident that both Glendale and Advanced Tree Services will provide high-quality services and help us to deliver on our priorities as we work towards becoming a cleaner, greener Kingston.

Kate Anscombe, Sales and Development Director at Glendale Services said: 

Kingston has chosen Glendale as a family owned , financially stable, green space specialist with  over 30 years’ experience. We’re a  national company with a local feel, with market leading technology to deliver on our promises. 

We are really looking forward to working with Kingston for 7 years with a possible extension of 7 more years, providing an honest and transparent service by a dedicated team of directly employed professionals whose drive and commitment extends to the local communities in which they serve.

Daron Mitchell, Director of Advanced Tree Services said: 

We are delighted to once again be working with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames to deliver the provision of arboricultural services. We are local to the borough, and delighted to be able to continue doing what we love here.

Find out more about Glendale and the services they will be providing in our community: https://www.glendale-services.co.uk/.