Grosvenor has marked the next chapter in the transformation of Grosvenor Square, London’s second largest garden square, with a ceremonial planting led by senior dignitaries – including the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and his Deputy Mayor for Environment, Mete Coban, as well as Westminster City Council leader Cllr Adam Hug. 

Celebrating the first of tens of thousands of plants and bulbs set to transform the square into an extraordinary urban garden, senior dignitaries were joined by members of the community who have supported the seven years of community engagement undertaken to shape the final designs. 

This included members of the Mayfair Youth Forum, a group of 25 Westminster students who worked on the evolution of the square as part of a development programme led by Grosvenor to build their professional capabilities. 

Among the first plants sown were primroses, selected alongside bluebells and honeysuckle by the public as part of Grosvenor’s ‘People’s Petal Choice’, a public vote which saw thousands of Londoners vote for the flowers they wanted to see in the transformed square. 

Blending beauty with biodiversity, the redesign of Grosvenor Square is the largest private investment in public green space in the West End for a generation and only the fourth time the square has been redesigned in its 300-year history. Its radical reinterpretation forms part of Grosvenor’s commitment to increase the biodiversity of its green spaces across London, benefitting nature and the wellbeing of those who rely on them. 

Supporting London’s climate resilience, works at the square will loosen densely packed soil across an area twice the size of Wembley Stadium’s pitch. This will increase the soil’s capacity to absorb water while also allowing air and nutrients to reach the roots of trees, grass and plants. Combined with 44 new trees and additional planting, Grosvenor Square will be able to soak up around 1.4 million litres of stormwater — the equivalent of filling 28 London buses.

To build awareness and understanding of the square’s role in addressing climate change, the redevelopment will include a new education building where programmes funded by The Westminster Foundation will offer opportunities for children and adults to learn about biodiversity, the environment and the square’s rich history.  

James Raynor, CEO of Grosvenor Property UK, said: 

“Located in the heart of the West End, Grosvenor Square will be an outstanding new space where nature and Londoners can exist in harmony. As long-term custodians of Mayfair, this significant voluntary investment epitomises how we are championing climate adaption across the spaces and places we manage. 

Responding to the climate emergency requires concerted action from businesses, government and local communities. To have representatives of each of these cohorts participate at the first planting at Grosvenor Square encapsulates the philosophy of partnership, climate leadership and innovation that has driven this unique project from the outset.”

The redevelopment of the square directly supports the Mayor of London’s ambition to create a greener, safer, fairer and more prosperous city for all. By increasing biodiversity, enhancing habitats and improving public access to nature, the project aligns with the Mayor’s vision of London as one of the world’s greenest cities.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 

“As the world’s first National Park City, it’s great that a new green haven is being created in the heart of London, so that people can reconnect with nature and wildlife can really thrive. Investment in world-leading green spaces like this is vital as we work to tackle the climate crisis, deliver our ambitious Growth Plan and build a greener London for everyone.”

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said:

“The squares of central London are landmarks in the capital’s history and an important part of our heritage. The new-look Grosvenor square puts an old master in a new frame with extra trees, plants and a range of flowers, many chosen by Londoners. It looks amazing and fresh and underlines our commitment to the environment.”

 “I want both local people and visitors to feel our public squares are places they want to spend time in. They are a key part of what makes Westminster so special, and I’m confident the redesigned Grosvenor Square will provide rest for residents and visitors for many years to come.”

About Grosvenor

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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.

We are a values-led business which represents the Grosvenor family and share a common purpose - to deliver lasting commercial, social and environmental benefit - addressing today’s needs while taking responsibility for those of future generations.  

With a track record of over 340 years, we work to improve urban property and places in many of the world’s leading cities, promoting sustainability within the built environment and enhancing the wellbeing of customers and communities. 

Our UK property business supports c1,000 businesses and tens of thousands of residents and workers across London’s West End each day. We also invest in, create and manage sustainable neighbourhoods across England. As a 1.5oC aligned company, pioneering change and new ways of thinking about property we aim to ensure our places benefit both people and the planet over the long term.