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BDP to deliver London’s Grosvenor Square transformation
The transformation of grade II listed Grosvenor Square in London has been unanimously given the green light by Westminster City Council. Work will begin work on the civic space, which is London’s second largest garden square, in early 2024, turning it into an extraordinary urban garden with ground-breaking environmental credentials.
The design was created for Grosvenor by architect Tonkin Liu in conjunction with horticulturalist Nigel Dunnett, ecologist Gary Grant and heritage expert Cordula Zeidler. BDP’s landscape architecture team will now to take the project forward to the next detailed designs.
The reimagined, six-acre garden will celebrate and preserve the square’s historic features and introduce new elements including:
- A shaded garden containing biodiverse planting
- A central open garden re-instating the original 1720s oval design
- Waterfall canopies, wetlands and channels capturing and storing rainwater for re-use
- Play spaces and an education building
The redesign will drive a Biodiversity Net Gain of 15.5%, with a five-fold increase in the number of plant species and 24 more trees increasing habitats for wildlife and improving air quality and access to nature in the West End.
BDP’s Landscape Architect Director, Chris Stanton, explains: “The enhancement of Grosvenor Square Gardens is a once in a generation opportunity to improve community access and use, increase its biodiversity credentials and secure the future of London’s premiere garden square.
“This is the legacy of Grosvenor’s 300-year stewardship of the Mayfair area and Grosvenor Square Gardens will be transformed into a benchmark urban green space that enhances the lives of people within our cities whilst addressing the impacts of climate change.”
James Raynor, CEO, Grosvenor Property UK, said: “This incredible project will deliver much of what is needed so badly – creating an exceptional environment for everyone who lives in, or comes to, the area. Alongside our broader £1.4 billion development pipeline and stretching sustainability goals, Grosvenor Square’s redesign is a fantastic example of our commitment to supporting the success of the West End and the benefits of a long-term outlook.”
Heather Topel, Director, Grosvenor Property UK added: “Grosvenor Square is a local landmark but over time it’s been under-used and under-valued. These stunning designs strike the right balance between heritage protection, the need to tackle the climate emergency and create a more welcoming, modern public space.
