How square might look if plans are approved
(Picture: Tonkin Liu / Grosvenor Britain and Ireland)Westminster’s Grosvenor Square could be transformed into a biodiverse urban garden with its original Georgian ‘oval shape’ if plans are approved.
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland has submitted plans to Westminster Council for the ambitious redesign of London’s second largest garden square, which it hopes could be finished for the square’s 300th anniversary in 2025.
The design would see a central open garden in its original 1720s oval shape, a ‘biodiversity’ garden and new play areas and education centre.
It would provide a 500 per cent increase in the number of plant species and 26 more trees in a drive for biodiversity, said Grosvenor.
Its project director, Ed Green, said: “We need high quality public green space in central London that makes room for both people and nature.
“Our designs celebrate the best of the square and introduce features to engage and excite Londoners while providing new habitats to sustain more wildlife.”
The plans were submitted to the council on December 4, and a date has not yet been set for consideration.
Two prominent horticulturalists, Nigel Dunnett and Gary Grant, have been drafted onto the project.
Mr Dunnett, a professor at the University of Sheffield, said: “We aim to set a new standard for biodiverse public spaces in London.”
He added: “This planting will look good all year-round, not just in warmer months.
“It's about beauty and biodiversity and bringing the exuberance of a rich natural environment into a London square in a way that hasn't been done before.”
To view the designs visit https://www.grosvenorsquare.org/ and to comment, visit Westminster Council’s planning website, reference 21/08289/FULL.
