Finsbury Circus Gardens has reopened following a major transformation project by the City of London Corporation. Upgrades to this historic, Grade II-listed site include: improved accessibility and seating; a larger, revitalised central lawn; and new landscaping and planting to boost biodiversity and attract a range of habitats for birds, bees, and bats – including 12 additional tree species, over 13,000 plants and more than 6,000 bulbs.
The design by Realm and Studio Weave features a new Parks Office aimed at attracting businesses, workers, and visitors to the Square Mile, reinforcing the City’s role in London’s and the UK’s economies. It includes biodiverse planting around a large lawn for various activities, careful attention to existing trees, and a woodland walkway at the park’s western end.
The transformation of Finsbury Circus Gardens started as a public competition won by Realm (previously called ReardonSmith Landscape) to revitalise the oldest public park in London. Situated within the historic ambience of Finsbury Circus, these gardens are the largest open green space in the Square Mile. This area is a remnant of Moor Fields, originating in the early 1600s, with the existing layout crafted by George Dance the Younger in the early 19th century.
Finsbury Circus has an intriguing and diverse history, stemming from both natural formations and the influence of various communities. The green space initially emerged through a combination of natural and human actions when London Wall partly obstructed the River Walbrook, resulting in a marshy area that led to the name ‘Fens-bury’.
For centuries, the park has served as a refuge for the community, offering a venue for archery, drying clothes, and leisurely walks. It also provided temporary tented accommodations for those displaced during the Great Fire of London and the Black Death, and it was once the site of Bethlehem Hospital, England’s first psychiatric hospital, also known as Bedlam.
The design aims to enhance biodiversity in the Gardens by introducing three new planting character areas, each characterized by distinct plant palettes tailored to their specific microclimates. The Woodland Habitat, located to the west, will consist of shade-loving shrubs and evergreen plants around gateways and bench seats, enriching the visitor experience while providing habitats for birds and creating loggeries for stag beetles and habitats for bats and other insects.
In addition, the Riverside margin planting will honour the historical relationship with the River Walbrook through specialised rain gardens and a sustainable drainage system to manage surface water. This area will feature plants adapted to various moisture conditions, focusing significantly on grasses to attract birds and pollinators. Meanwhile, the Herbaceous Perennial Borders will offer seasonal colour and support for pollinators, featuring a variety of flowering plants selected to enhance further biodiversity, including night-scented species to attract moths and serve as a food source for bats.
Finsbury Circus Gardens
Location: London, UK.
Client: City of London
Landscape Architect: Realm Landscape Architects
Collaborators:
Parks Office Architect: Studio Weave / Architecture 00
Structural & Civil Engineers: Engenuiti
M&E Engineers: XC02
Trees: Tim Moya Associates
Soils: Tim O’Hare Associates
Project Manager: Potter Raper
Heritage Consultant: MOLA
Sustainability Consultant: Etude
Planning Consultant: Tibbalds
Quantity Surveyor: Currie & Brown
Communications: Kanda
Contractor: Maylim
Photography Credit: Realm
