A new public garden, named Reflection Garden and pitched opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, has been unveiled.
The focal point of the garden at 25 Cannon Street is a reflection pool, creating a double view of St Paul’s dome as it is mirrored in the water.
The project is a collaboration between the City of London Corporation, international real estate company Pembroke and landscape design practice Tom Stuart-Smith.
Seating around the reflective pool immersed in the garden is a tranquil space for City workers, visitors and tourists to enjoy a green oasis with local wildlife and views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Reflection Garden forms part of a refurbishment of 25 Cannon Street by Pembroke, alongside new retail and hospitality space, which the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee gave the green light to in 2020.
Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, Shravan Joshi, said: “Schemes like 25 Cannon Street are at the heart of the City’s recovery. It will deliver urban greening and exceptional new public space that can be enjoyed by all.
“The recently-unveiled Reflection Garden – making the most of stunning views of St Paul’s with a reflection pool in its centre – complements our vision for Destination City to attract workers and visitors alike.
“Sustainability and accessibility have been at the core of this refurbishment, with measures to reduce carbon emissions and prioritise wellbeing.”
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In line with the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, sustainability was central to 25 Cannon Street’s redesign.
The building will be able to operate on renewable power and targets the highest energy efficiency rating, while embodied carbon emissions were reduced throughout the construction process.
Thanks to the public garden and new roof terrace, the Urban Greening Factor has been raised from 0.29 to 0.49.
Chair of the City’s Property Investment Board, Andrien Meyers, said: “The newly-refurbished 25 Cannon Street is a welcome addition to the Square Mile’s top-quality office, retail and leisure offering.
“In particular, the City Corporation was pleased to support the Reflection Garden where both workers and visitors can enjoy views of an iconic London landmark.
“With most of the office space already let, it is clear that recovery is well underway and we hope schemes like this will continue to draw people back into the City post-pandemic.”
Tom Stuart-Smith added: “The revived garden at 25 Cannon St makes a unique contribution to the mosaic of green spaces and gardens around St. Paul’s Cathedral.
“And it is very exciting to be able to celebrate Wren’s magnificent dome by making its reflection an almost surreal, but contemplative centrepiece to this calm green space. I hope it will be a resource for City workers and tourists for years to come.’’
Images by Stuart Bailey
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