The City of London Corporation has revealed new images showing how Finsbury Circus Gardens will look in the future.
It comes as a project to transform the Grade II listed site, which is London’s oldest public park, gets underway. This garden is what remains of Moor Fields, London’s first public park, dating from 1607. The present garden was originally laid out in 1815 to a design by George Dance the Younger. It’s well known for its mature London plane trees and fine Japanese Pagoda tree – the only one in the City.
The finished scheme at Finsbury Circus Gardens, which is due to complete later this year, will see improved seating, pathways, and new areas of planting around the central lawn, introducing a wide range of species and habitats for birds, bees, and bats.
Finsbury Circus Gardens is the largest green space within the City and just one of over 180 individual Square Mile sites, owned and managed by the City Corporation.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Natural Environment Board, Caroline Haines, said:
“Finsbury Circus Gardens will be transformed into a tranquil haven for people to relax and spend time outside.
“Not only are City open spaces hugely important for people’s health and wellbeing, they also play a vital role by increasing the Square Mile’s resilience against climate change and enhancing biodiversity by creating habitats for a number of birds, butterflies, and insects.
“Investing in our public spaces is worth every penny and supports our vision for Destination City; making the Square Mile the ‘go-to’ place for visitors and workers from all over the world.”
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, Graham Packham, added:
“With much of Finsbury Circus Gardens being out of action over the past decade for the construction of Crossrail, there is a real opportunity to improve and revitalise this space for future generations to enjoy.
“Projects like these show how the City Corporation is leading the way when it comes to creating a sustainable environment, encouraging economic growth, and making the Square Mile a vibrant and thriving place in which to work, live and explore.”