St Andrew Square
Revitalising St Andrew Square as a landmark civic destination in Edinburgh’s New Town
Edinburgh, UK
The rebirth of St Andrew Square into one of the most prestigious and successful visitor destinations in Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage New Town is the result of a carefully designed and executed landscape and architectural upgrade by Gillespies.
The beautifully proportioned square was originally created during the first phase of building of Edinburgh’s New Town from the 1760s and was an integral part of James Craig's (1744-1795) design to have George Street flanked at each end with an impressive garden square. The space is distinguished by an impressive 150ft tall column at its centre, the ‘Melville monument’, dedicated to the “uncrowned king of Scotland”, Henry Dundas 1st Viscount Melville.
During the last century, the space had become progressively underused and dilapidated exacerbated by the withdrawal of the banking community that used to define this as the financial heart of the city. Funds were sort to upgrade the square and make it publically accessible and in turn create investment interest in the grand buildings flanking the area.
Gillespies were chosen to undertake the design and delivery of the upgrading works and following a £2.6 million investment by the City of Edinburgh Council in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian, the upgraded gardens at St Andrew Square were opened to the public in 2008 by then First Minister Alex Salmond.
The design carefully preserves the integrity and character of the original historic square while introducing new elements that respond to contemporary patterns of use. Two new entrance gates and pathways at the southwest and northeast corners improve permeability, while a reflective pool framed by waterside planting and a new café pavilion by Gillespies bring renewed activity and animation to the gardens.
A generous and elegant central lawn reinforces the spatial clarity of the square, with the Melville Monument remaining its defining focal point. Restored in 2008 as part of the Twelve Monuments Project, a partnership between Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council, the column once again anchors key views and reinstates the visual connection between Princes Street and St Andrew Square, including Harvey Nichols.
The success of the project is reflected in how quickly the gardens were embraced by the public. They now function both as a popular place to relax and as an attractive and well used pedestrian route through the city, reaffirming St Andrew Square’s role at the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town
"The vision for St Andrew Square represents a triumph for partnership working in Edinburgh City Centre. Many thanks go to Gillespies and other members of the design team, who's approach to this sensitive commission within Edinburgh's World Heritage Site has been exemplary."
Gordon Reid, Chief Executive, Edinburgh City Centre Management Company
The improvements were warmly welcomed by the people of Edinburgh, particularly since unlike most New Town gardens that are restricted only to local residents, the revamped St Andrew Square garden was open to the public. Tens of thousands now use the square each year, which has become a festive focus with an annual open-air ice rink and it has staged numerous public exhibitions and events. The wider area has seen a resurgence in interest and a social and commercial renaissance with more than £1.1bn worth of rebuilding underway in and around the site.
The Landscape Institute recognised Gillespies work in 2009, awarding it their top prize, The President's Medal.
Award
Year
Landscape Institute Awards: Best Landscape Design under 1HA
2011
Scottish Planning Awards — Commendation
2009
Civic Trust Commendation - St Andrew's Square
2009
Landscape Institute Awards: Best Landscape Design under 1ha
2009
Landscape Institutes President’s Award
2009
Concept
Early concept sketches of the redesigned square.
Project details
Title
St Andrew Square
Client
The City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh City Centre Management Company
Status
Complete
Project team
Gillespies
