London’s 300-year-old square reborn for a changing climate

One of London’s oldest public squares is reopening after a £25m redevelopment aimed at making it more resilient with climate change.

Grosvenor Square in Mayfair will open to the public on Monday 20 July after its fourth major redesign in 300 years. 

The project has transformed the space into a climate-resilient garden, with new planting, wetlands and woodland areas designed to help manage rising temperatures, heavy rainfall and the loss of wildlife habitats. 

The redesign has increased planted areas from less than 1% of the square to almost half of the site.

It includes 70,000 new plants across 63 species, 80,000 bulbs and 44 trees. Two wetlands and new woodland areas have also been created, providing habitats for birds, insects and other wildlife.

Ducks, butterflies and dragonflies have already been seen using the new landscape before the official reopening.

The decade-long project was designed by London architecture practice Tonkin Liu and delivered by BDP. The planting strategy was led by Professor Nigel Dunnett, one of the UK’s leading experts in planting redesign and urban horticulture, who died earlier this year. 

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘I’m delighted to celebrate the reopening of Grosvenor Square following its transformation into a vibrant new green haven for London. As Mayor, I’ve prioritised boosting our city’s green spaces and invested in communities across the capital to create greener and healthier neighbourhoods.’

Following a consultation that included over 7,000 Londoners, the redesign also includes wider entrances, improved lighting, public toilets, drinking fountains and around 300 extra seats.

A new education centre, funded by The Westminster Foundation and operated by London Wildlife Trust, is also included.

Khan added: ‘It’s amazing to see Grosvenor Square revitalised with dozens of new plant species and wildlife, providing a space where both Londoners and visitors can reconnect with nature.

‘This extraordinary urban garden showcases how investment in our public spaces can help to build a greener, fairer and better city for everyone.’

Image: Grosvenor Square in London 

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