Finsbury Circus Gardens, Restoring Tranquillity
Hidden amidst the towering buildings and bustling streets of the City, Finsbury Circus Gardens offers a rare oasis, a green sanctuary of peace in the otherwise fast-paced urban London landscape.
Maylim had the privilege of leading the transformation of Finsbury Circus Gardens, balancing historical preservation with modern enhancements to create a garden that enriches the lives of all who visit.
Overview
A Haven in the Heart of the City
Despite being just minutes from Moorgate Station and the busy London Wall, the Gardens feel remarkably secluded—a retreat for city workers and visitors seeking a moment of calm. Maylim Project Manager Tom Emerton describes its significance:
“The Gardens offer a significant benefit to London and the community as one of the few open tranquil green spaces in the City of London. It allows workers an area to relax and unwind.”
Balancing Nature and Innovation
One of the project’s most distinctive features is the careful integration of soft and hard landscaping. Internal planter beds now sit within the footprint of the old lawn, adding plant diversity and creating new habitats for insects. Striking limestone benches and Kentish Ragstone boulder seating provide opportunities for both solitude and social interaction, transforming the park into a space that is not just visually appealing but deeply functional. Tom highlights the impact of this transformation:
“Previously, visitors would often sit on the lawn or up against some fencing. Now, there’s extensive seating, including wooden and limestone benches, plus unique ragstone boulder seats that allow groups to gather and enjoy both the surroundings and increased biodiversity.” Such innovations enhance the visitor experience at Finsbury Circus Gardens.
Overcoming Challenges and Shaping Solutions
No major transformation comes without hurdles, and Finsbury Circus Gardens was no exception. One of the biggest surprises was the extent of tree roots beneath the site. Tom recalls:
“The site presented several challenges, none more so than having to work around the existing trees on the site. During the works, we had to review, redesign and change method to the works, to ensure the protection to one of the park’s greatest assets.” Finsbury Circus Gardens thus presented unique challenges.
Soil drainage was another challenge, given the park’s previous use as a Crossrail construction site. Through additional surveys and innovative drainage solutions, the team ensured long-term sustainability.
“This site’s complexity—from soil conditions to underground transport restrictions—meant we had to split the work into two zones, ensuring access while keeping plant equipment away from restricted areas. It was a huge coordination effort,” Tom explains.
A Lasting Legacy and Future Possibilities at Finsbury Circus Gardens
One of the most rewarding parts of the project? Seeing the excitement build as completion neared. Tom shares:
“People would come up to the fencing, asking when the park would open and commenting on how great it was looking—that was incredibly rewarding.” Such public interest underlined the success of the revitalisation.
Looking ahead, Tom sees opportunities for further enhancement:
“I would love to see the site, Finsbury Circus Gardens, continue to be a haven for wildlife within the centre of London, helping to contribute to a greening infrastructure. Using the site for further wildlife studies increasing the number of pollinators and (bees and butterflies)”
With Finsbury Circus Gardens now revitalised, it serves as a reminder of the importance of green spaces in dense urban environments, not just for aesthetics, for well-being.
Read more about the transformation Here
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