Southend-on-Sea’s Warrior Square Gardens reopen

Warrior Square gardens in Southend have reopened following a new design by Gillespies.  Situated in the heart of its shops and public amenities - the regeneration of this key public space is a cornerstone in the town's revival. 

From the outset, Gillespies responded to the structure of the historical layout, recomposing the familiar elements of an English Garden Square, with lawn, planting beds, seating, lighting, a focal point and boundaries, but for contemporary use.

The new layout is carefully structured around some of the finest trees in Southend, with perimeter walks and views celebrating this dominant line of original lime trees as well as majestic Pine and Cedar trees.

In keeping with the square's late-Victorian origins, Gillespies also sought to capture the essence of Southend's seaside spectacle and promenade - so the edge of the Gardens offers areas for street performers and gathering whilst at its heart there is a simple and flexible open lawn.

A clear threshold around the garden has been retained, replacing the old overgrown borders with a multi-functional frame around the Gardens, marking the extent of the green space.  This offers a new expansive entrance square, an elevated limewalk along the northern edge of the Gardens with long feature benches and a floral walk to the south.

The simple open lawn surrounded by active edges for al fresco dining, seating and strolling once again places Warrior Square Gardens at the centre of town life. In the spirit of Southend's heyday, residents and tourists to the town now have an invitation to walk in the middle of a traditional English floral border, stroll along the Gardens' limewalk beneath a canopy of majestic Lime trees and picnic on the lawn.