Thank you. My name is Ed Green. I work for Grosvenor and I’ve had the pleasure of leading the design work on Grosvenor Square. 

The pandemic only served to highlight that we need more quality green space in central London that makes room for both people and nature.  

We’ve known for some time that there’s an opportunity for Grosvenor Square to contribute more to Westminster, the environment and local people – whether that’s as a quiet spot for reflection, learning, or for socialising. 

And we know that change can happen successfully in the Square, allowing it to support peoples’ evolving needs without diminishing its historic context, or the tranquillity of the space. 

So today we’re excited to be discussing the 4th redesign in Grosvenor Square’s near 300-year history, helping it to adapt in an era of climate emergency, whilst protecting what makes it so special.       

In extensive collaboration with communities, we’ve created a scheme that meets their stated priorities and can make a major contribution to local wellbeing, climate resilience and nature. 

We committed significant resources to engaging a diverse range of people in the multi-year process. To understand what was important locally conversations started in 2017 long before there was a design proposal.  

And since 2020, we’ve engaged almost 7,000 people, deploying innovative methods to continue meaningful conversations during the pandemic – an approach recently commended by the Council at the launch of your Community Engagement Guidance. 

And we’ve listened. Our designs have refined substantially in response to feedback both from residents and statutory stakeholders. 

This includes:

• adapting our approach to heritage such as the settings of memorials and the new railings …… 
• prioritising elements that maximise public benefit - enhancing Mayfair’s green infrastructure by providing 2 acres of beautiful, habitat rich planting and 24 more trees
• and incorporating much needed facilities including public toilets and children’s play areas as well as an education building, enabling learning about the gardens all year round. 

Supported by an enhanced management programme that builds on our strong track record, this design maximises benefits to the community without impacting our ability to run the square as a safe and welcoming space for everyone.  

This project represents our commitment to continual investment in Westminster and the Oxford Street District – delivering a scheme for the benefit of the community funded by the private sector.

Given the profile of the square and the project, and the huge numbers of people engaged – we’re particularly proud of the overwhelming support the proposals have received.  

We feel the designs strike the right balance between heritage protection, the need to tackle the climate emergency, and the desire to create a beautiful public space. 

Before you, you have the opportunity to transform Grosvenor Square into an extraordinary urban garden with ground-breaking environmental credentials which can be enjoyed by anyone all year round.  

Thank you.