St Helens Square opens

St Helen’s Square, a new public square at the foot of the RSHP-designed Leadenhall Building in the City of London, has opened.

The new square – which at 3,325 square metres is the third-largest open space in the City - provides a world-class setting for a number of iconic buildings, including 30 St Mary’s Axe, The Leadenhall Building, The Lloyd’s Building and The Scalpel, a 35-storey tower currently under construction.

Originally won in a design competition back in 2012, Gillespies were commissioned by client The Leadenhall Development Company Ltd, City of London and Aviva, to rejuvenate the existing key thoroughfare which sits at the historic junction of Leadenhall Street and St Mary’s Axe.

Gillespies’ design for this pivotal space restores the sites unique authentic character, but offers a contemporary interpretation. High quality paved ramped and tiered pedestrianised walkways provide generous connections, simplifying the flow of people through this key thoroughfare. Curved stone planters, filled with colourful planting that varies in height, colour and texture, animates the space together with integrated seating that provides opportunities for visitors to pause and relax. At night, the square is transformed through light installations that imitate ‘swaying reeds’ in the wind.  

The redesigned space has reinvigorated the area, creating a fresh, appealing and multi-functional public plaza for people to enjoy. The space is large enough to host a range of events and performances throughout the year.