Global entertainment designers Forrec have acquired Toronto-based Scott Torrance Landscape Architects as part of a strategic expansion of their portfolio.

The practice – who create theme parks, water parks, resorts, mixed-use destinations and visitor attractions for brands such as Universal Studios, Legoland and BBC Worldwide – said the move reflects their drive to “help lead the next wave of landscape architecture design and build on our roots of offering Toronto great public spaces to enjoy.”

“Landscape architecture is the backbone of many of our projects and was our roots 30 years ago,” said Forrec president and CEO Gordon Dorrett. “Most people don’t know that some of Toronto’s best known urban spaces, like Trinity Square at the Eaton Centre, the Ryerson Campus and Ashbridges Bay, were designed by Forrec’s original landscape architectural practice.”

Scott Torrance, principal of the studio that bears his name, said: “This exciting alliance will create a new landscape studio with an outstanding depth of creative talent, experience and in-house resources.

“We will be able to better serve our existing clients and continue to build our Toronto-based practice while contributing to Forrec's international work with my commitment to design excellence, sustainability and connecting people to nature in the urban environment. This merger is truly a one plus one equals three."