City of London Corporation opens new public garden

A newly relandscaped public garden was opened to the public, yesterday (23 July), at the junction of Cheapside and New Change, following a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by City and local business representatives.

Formerly known as the Sunken Garden, the area has been transformed into a fully accessible and greener place, with a 25% increase in planting for enhanced biodiversity and climate resilience, providing opportunity for activation for the benefit of local residents, workers, visitors and tourists.

Following the initiation of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, the new garden was designed to pioneer a multi-faceted, sustainable approach to create public spaces that are more resilient to climate change. Sustainability and circular economy were at the heart of the project when designing, choosing materials and deciding methods of construction. Over 150-year-old granite stones, salvaged from the Thames River Wall, were used to create the new benches, with recycled timber from fallen London Plane trees for the backrests. New permeable paving lets rain drain freely into the ground, storing it for trees to use later, and reduce pressure on the sewer system. The new plant species have been selected with local wildlife in mind, combining a range of pollinator-friendly species to help biodiversity and create interest all year round.

This project forms part of wider enhancements in the Cheapside area to develop the local environment and improve air quality, particularly through new green spaces and tree planting.

Funding for the project has come from a mix of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Fund, as well as private sector contributions from the Cheapside Business Alliance (the local Business Improvement District) and C Hoare & Co, Britain’s oldest private bank which has deep historic ties to the site.

Deputy Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, John Edwards, said: “The new garden at the Junction of Cheapside and New Change is a great example of a public private partnership working for the benefit of City workers, residents and visitors alike.

“The new landscaping gives the space enhanced accessibility, openness and better lines of sight through the local area, making footfall easier and providing a dedicated event space for local communities and businesses, in line with Destination City and Cheapside Business Alliance aspirations to run events all year round.”

Board Member of Cheapside Business Alliance, Marc Myers, said: “The Cheapside Business Alliance (CBA) are delighted to have partnered with the City of London together with other key City stakeholders in the delivery of this collaborative project. The New Change Garden meets many of the commitments we have made to the businesses within our boundary around Cheapside.

“The space is perfect for all who work or visit in The City and we look forward to watching it develop as a place to allow them to meet and relax in beautifully constructed space.”