• New Consumer campaign, The People’s Petal Choice, provides a accessible entry point to the redesign for more Londoners 

Grosvenor has launched the final phase in the redesign of Grosvenor Square, Mayfair aimed at transforming it into an extraordinary urban garden with ground-breaking environmental credentials.

To date the engagement process, which began in 2019, has encompassed five phases of local and London-wide consultation with over 26 events involving over 2,500 people.

Across July, Grosvenor and architects Tonkin Liu are testing detailed designs for the future square which incorporate that feedback.

The proposals aim to maximise biodiversity in the square, introducing a range of new habitats for wildlife, while supporting the needs of local residents, workers and visitors.

Today London’s second largest garden square is dominated by open lawn and one species of tree. To create a more welcoming, biodiverse environment, Grosvenor is proposing:

• Welcoming entrances – floating timber pergolas will invite visitors to step into nature from the busy streets of W1
• Shaded gardens will follow the edge of the square. A path will lead through a mosaic of new trees, woodland plants, wildflowers and ferns changing with the seasons maximising biodiversity and providing a tranquil space for people
• Open oval – the historic oval space in the centre of the square will be retained providing a flowering lawn for all to enjoy
• Water – dramatic waterfall canopies, channels and a wetland pond will provide memorable features but also allow water to be collected, stored and recycled in the square
• Amenities - New low buildings and toilets will provide facilities missing in the square today

Ed Green, Senior Development Manager, Grosvenor commented: “In redesigning Grosvenor Square, we are pioneering a new approach to private investment in public spaces. Designed, and ultimately governed collaboratively, we want to show how green spaces in cities can work harder for nature and the wellbeing of those who rely on them.

“This near 300 year old square has a rich history and we want to celebrate that by collaboratively thinking about its future role. Our design brief is based on the many conversations we’ve had over the years shaping our emphasis on enhancing biodiversity and wellbeing, play, water and heritage and we look forward to further feedback.”

Opening up the opportunity for influence to more Londoners

To create a new accessible entry point into a wider conversation around the future of green spaces in London, Grosvenor is also launching a consumer campaign to get more people involved in the design process.

The People's Petal Choice takes its cue from the planting aspects of the designs and the opportunity to create a range of habitats that could be prioritised in the square.

It asks Londoners to choose the wildflowers they would like to see in the perimeter, the shaded gardens and open oval lawn, as well as inviting them to take part in the wider redesign.

Ed Green added, “The redesign of the square is important to local residents and businesses, it’s a local landmark and for many their back garden. But it’s also an opportunity for Londoners to become involved in the future of a significant green space in the capital that too many have never had a reason to come to.

“The People’s Petal Choice is an exciting and accessible way to start that conversation with them.”

The campaign, in collaboration with the Evening Standard, runs from 5 July to 1 August.