• Grosvenor Square reopens on Monday 20 July following a £25 million transformation, the most significant private investment in West End public green space in a generation
  
  
• For only the fourth time in its 300-year history, London’s second-largest square has been redesigned to tackle biodiversity loss, urban flooding and rising temperatures
  
  
• Planting has been increased from less than one per cent of the square to close to half, with 70,000 new plants, 80,000 bulbs, 44 trees and two new wetlands introduced
  
  
• The transformation reimagines a historic public space for the 21st century, demonstrating how urban green spaces can respond to the challenges facing cities today

Set to reopen to the public on Monday 20 July 2026, Grosvenor Square has been redesigned for only the fourth time in its 300-year history. A £25m investment has seen the space transformed into one of London's most remarkable public spaces: a climate-resilient urban garden, home to 150,000 plants and bulbs, new trees, wildlife, and a greener, calmer space for people in the heart of the city.

The result of a decade-long ambition, the square represents a fundamental rethink of the role of urban green space. Designed to support biodiversity, improve wellbeing and absorb up to 1.4 million litres of stormwater, Grosvenor Square offers a new model for how historic public spaces can be adapted for the future.

A historic square reimagined for the future

Grosvenor Square’s transformation combines ecological ambition with practical, human-centred design, responding to the climate challenges facing cities today: wetter winters, hotter summers and a clear link between access to nature and mental health and wellbeing.

Previously, less than one per cent of the square was planted. Today, that figure is close to half, with 70,000 new plants across 63 species, 80,000 new bulbs and 44 new trees planted. New woodland planting and two wetlands have been introduced, providing space for birds, pollinators and other species in the heart of central London. Seasonal gardens, woodland paths and additional seating offer visitors more reasons to linger and explore.

Wildlife has already returned, with ducks, butterflies and dragonflies all sighted in the weeks before opening. The landscape has been designed to evolve over time, becoming richer and more diverse as planting matures.

To support this new landscape and improve resilience to extreme weather, soil has been decompacted and restored across 15,000 square metres, an area equivalent to two football pitches. The square can now absorb up to 1.4 million litres of stormwater, helping reduce pressure on London's drainage network during periods of heavy rainfall.

The design was originated by London-based architecture practice Tonkin Liu and delivered by leading design practice BDP. The planting strategy was led by Professor Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture at the University of Sheffield and one of Britain’s most celebrated horticultural voices. Professor Dunnett passed away in April 2026 and Grosvenor Square stands among his final completed projects, reflecting his lifelong belief that urban landscapes should work for both people and nature.

Designed by people, for people

The square has been shaped by feedback from more than 7,000 Londoners, resulting in a space designed to be welcoming, easier to navigate, safer after dark, and more enjoyable to spend time in throughout the year. The square has improved entrances, 300 additional places to sit, public toilets, water fountains, enhanced lighting and CCTV.

A new education centre, with programmes funded by The Westminster Foundation and delivered by London Wildlife Trust, will offer opportunities for children and adults to learn about biodiversity, the environment and climate change, accompanied by a new café kiosk. 

The square also honours its rich history, with the reinstatement of the original 1720s oval at the centre of the design. Existing memorials, including those commemorating Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Eagle Squadrons and the victims of 9/11, have all been preserved and thoughtfully integrated into the new landscape.

A model for the future of urban green space

Grosvenor Square’s reopening demonstrates how historic public spaces can be adapted to meet modern environmental and social challenges while preserving their heritage and character. At the heart of Mayfair for three centuries, the square now offers the surrounding community, workers, residents and visitors a place to connect with nature.

Its transformation forms part of a broader programme of investment in Mayfair and the wider West End, which includes the delivery of South Molton, the West End's largest mixed-use development. The scheme will bring forward best-in-class offices, new homes and transformed public realm, and reflects Grosvenor’s commitment to building a neighbourhood that works for everyone, for generations to come. 

The Duke of Westminster commented:

“The reopening of Grosvenor Square is a very special moment for Grosvenor and for this part of London. The Square has been at the heart of Mayfair for three hundred years, and our responsibility has been to respect that history while ensuring it is ready to serve London for the next century.
 
 This transformation is about showing how historic urban spaces can work well for people, nature and the climate. We are grateful to the thousands of people who helped shape the project, including many young people whose ideas influenced the final design. I hope Grosvenor Square becomes a place where everyone can pause, explore and connect with nature in the heart of the city, and where future generations can develop a sense of wonder about the natural world.”

 James Raynor, Chief Executive of Grosvenor Property, commented:

“When we approached the redesign of Grosvenor Square, we challenged ourselves to consider not only what looks good, but also what the city actually needs. The result is a public garden where climate resilience, biodiversity and access are built into every part of the design. It is both a response to the climate challenges cities face today and a gift to the people of London.

“Mayfair is quietly entering a golden age, with Grosvenor Square reinstated as its centrepiece. What you see today, beyond this unique new public space, is a philosophy of long-term stewardship brought vividly to life. It is a space that respects the square's remarkable history while looking confidently to the future, and one that I hope will bring joy to everyone who visits.”

The 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. 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.”

About Grosvenor Property UK

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Grosvenor is an international organisation whose activities span urban property, food and agtech, rural estate management, and support for philanthropic initiatives. With a near-350-year track record, we are committed to delivering lasting commercial, social, and environmental benefits, meeting today’s needs while taking responsibility for those of future generations. 

Our UK property business supports around 1,000 businesses and thousands of residents and workers across London’s West End, while also investing in sustainable neighbourhoods across England. As a company aligned with the 1.5°C climate target, we pioneer change and innovation in urban development, ensuring our places benefit both people and the planet in the long term.