A park in the Square Mile has reopened, showing off a major transformation.
Finsbury Circus Gardens — a circular space situated between Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations — closed in 2010 to allow construction work on the Elizabeth line to take place, reopening in 2020 before closing again in 2023 for this latest work.
The City of London Corporation has now revamped the park — the largest open green space in the Square Mile — to make it more accessible to the public, and to increase biodiversity in the area.
New landscaping has allowed 12 additional tree species to be introduced, along with 13,000 plants and 6,000 bulbs, creating a habitat for birds, bees and bats, as well as making it an appealing space for us humans, away from the nearby skyscrapers and constant Moorgate traffic.
A large central lawn is surrounded by flat, wide pathways and seating in the form of many benches, which'll no doubt be popular with workers from nearby offices during sunny lunchtimes.
Finsbury Circus Gardens was London's first public park, known as 'Moor Fields', in the 1600s, with a more formal layout introduced in the 19th century. Its history earned the site Grade II-listed status.
Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:
Finsbury Circus Gardens is a beautiful, tranquil retreat in the heart of the City – now revitalised and ready to be rediscovered. Our green spaces play a vital role in making the Square Mile a welcoming and attractive place to live, work, and visit – delivering on our vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable City. These gardens reflect what makes the City of London so special – not just a global financial powerhouse, but a destination rich in beauty, history, and moments of escape.
