McGregor Coxall participated in the international design competition for the 11th Horticulture Expo in Nanjing, Jiangsu. Spanning 6.9 km2 the proposed site is planned to be open by September 2020 and will promote the development of the horticulture industry in the province, hosting 1.5 million visitors. Today the site rises steeply from the river plain as an elevated Karst geology of weathered limestone hills and scarred landscape remnant of it's industrial past. Located on a former mining quarry used to extract calcium for cement making, 'Karst Park' boasts spectacular industrial landforms and derelict factory buildings suitable for repurposing. Showcasing high tech horticultural practices the projects vision is to repair the ecology of the former mine and its damaged Karst Rock landscape, creating a unique cultural and leisure attraction inside the Baohua Mountain Park.

The 11th Garden Expo will deliver critical infrastructure that will be retained to form the foundation of the new park for the city and its people. Forged as a new type of post industrial open space, the disturbed ecology and water systems will be regenerated and the human endeavour of its recent history will be remembered. This park is not just a cluster of colourful gardens, it is an ecological demonstration area where visitors will learn about mining rehabilitation and the processes of ecological succession. Retained factory buildings and quarries will provide a unique setting for the creation of 13 restaurants and gardens. Located in a unique quarry at the highest elevation is the enormous Nanjing Garden boasting scenic views to the host city of Nanjing in the distance.

Powered by onsite solar farms, it will be an environmental exemplar site for china boasting carbon neutral, zero waste and closed loop water systems. An eco-tourism resort village will provide accommodation for visitors to enjoy the nature, food and cultural facilities of Karst Park all year round. A world class surf park and water park, the first for China, will ensure visitors from Nanjing and Shanghai return many times.