Onsite at St Helen's Square

Work is proceeding quickly onsite at St Helen’s Square, a key public space at the foot of the RSHP-designed Leadenhall Building in the City of London, overlooked by the iconic 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) and the Scalpel, a 36-storey commercial tower which is currently under construction.  

Gillespies won a design competition to redesign this pivotal space back in 2012, gaining planning permission in 2013. The landscape design for St Helen’s Square - which at 3,325 square metres is the third-largest open space in the City - include curved stone planters, high-quality tiered pedestrianised walkways and enough open space to allow for exhibitions and performances.

The design is lively and colourful, authentic to the character of the City of London but interpreted in contemporary terms. Already a key thoroughfare, the redesigned space promises to reinvigorate the area, creating a fresh and appealing public plaza for people to enjoy.  

The project is on target for practical completion early next year.