Grosvenor Square to be turned into wildlife haven

Grosvenor Square in London will undergo a radical transformation, featuring the planting of 80,000 bulbs, 44 trees, and 70,000 plants to create a wildlife haven. Funded by Grosvenor, the project aims to reconnect communities with nature and will honor the square's original 1720s design. Scheduled to open in summer 2026, it marks the largest private investment in public green space in the West End in a generation. Horticulturalist Nigel Dunnett, leading the transformation, stated that the new design will replace grassland with flowering lawns and woodland plantings. These changes will foster wildlife habitats and enhance the square's aesthetic appeal throughout the year.

The square has historical significance, having housed the US embassy from 1912 to 2017, and is home to the UK memorial for the 9/11 victims. Alex Clarke OBE, a family member of a 9/11 victim, expressed excitement about the square becoming a tranquil space for remembrance. The Duke of Westminster highlighted the community's role in shaping the design, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability and climate adaptation.