Planning approval was granted in June 2020 to transform 81 Newgate Street (The BT Centre) in the City of London into a mixed-used development bringing together office, retail, culture and leisure. As part of the transformation we have developed a landscape strategy for the building that considers the street, facade and roof, introducing new planting that is sustainable, robust and adapted to climate change.

At street level there will be a significant increase in tree planting whilst establishing visual links to the neighbouring garden of Greyfriars Church. On the south side of the building extensive planting is proposed and, in a distinct departure from the existing character, climbing plants will be used on the columns of the building to create a planted arcade, bringing greenery, movement, flower and scent to the street.

The proposed planting of the facade is intended to transform the building in a way that has a radical impact on how the building is perceived. The west facade will become a series of stepped garden terraces with planting that is dynamic, varied and picturesque in character. Plants will be allowed to grow freely and down the facade, where they won’t obscure views or reduce light levels.

The roof garden will be one of the most extensive in central London, with much of it open to the public. It will also have one of the greatest views with a full city panorama taking in St Paul’s Cathedral. In order to maximise these views, we developed the central idea of the roof garden being designed on a gradient, with a more formal garden language close to the restaurant and office, moving to a more informal and open meadow-like character providing a foreground to the astonishing view.