Council wants public space to appeal to Londoners and visitors
Burns + Nice has completed a £15.3 million renovation of Leicester Square in central London.
The multi-disciplinary practice worked on the scheme for Westminster City Council, which opens to the public today.
The new design includes more than 12,000sq m of granite paving, as well as a new white granite ribbon creating an extra tier of seating.
A new water feature is also included around the central Shakespeare statue and uplighting has been installed at all of the square’s trees.
The project is the first in a series commissioned by the council to improve the borough’s public spaces.
Robert Davis, Westminster City Council’s deputy leader said: “This ambitious regeneration project has breathed new life into the square and has given it a vibrant new feel which is more in-keeping with its international reputation.
“Central London deserves a state-of-the-art cultural destination, particularly in this Olympic year, and we hope Londoners and visitors alike will be impressed with the results.”
7 February 2011
29 April 2009
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Readers' comments (3)
Have they reused the Diana Princess of Whales water feature stonework?
There was supposed to be a new ticket booth and also an archway in the Swiss Court but it all got scrapped, I'm guessing to save funds? It looks great though, especially in the sunshine and I think also in the evening when they turn on the special lighting. Now people can now still sit around on the terraces even when the actual gardens themselves are closed after hours.
Those seats look like some prime grinding opportunities for the local skateboarders. They'll be pleased.