We were appointed by a local authority client as landscape architects for this new public square in Whitechapel, London. The project sits between the recently completed Tower Hamlets Town Hall, formerly the Old Royal London Hospital, and the Royal London Hospital.
The new 2,300m² public square brings together land released through the Town Hall redevelopment. It also incorporates a former ambulance drop-off and pick-up area serving the Royal London Hospital. As a result, the project creates an important new public space within the wider hospital and civic quarter.
An earlier version of the scheme already had planning consent when we were invited to tender. Therefore, our landscape architect services focused on satisfying the planning conditions and developing the approved proposals. We also prepared comprehensive tender and construction information for the external works. In addition, we attended progress meetings and inspected the landscape works during construction through to completion.
The new public square provides an attractive breakout space for both the Town Hall and hospital users. Furthermore, the landscape design incorporates a variety of seating opportunities. These include individual seats, concrete benches, picnic tables and timber-topped benches. Seating also forms part of the raised planters, with users able to sit along their concrete edges.
Our landscape architect proposal also integrates part of the principal pedestrian route from Whitechapel Road and Whitechapel Underground Station. This route passes via East Mount Street before reaching the main entrance to the Royal London Hospital. Consequently, the square supports both local movement and wider pedestrian connectivity.
We carefully considered circulation throughout the square during the landscape design process. Pedestrian desire lines, fire tender access and crane access for building maintenance all influenced the final layout. In addition, we integrated building fire access and egress requirements into the landscape proposals. The design also provides Part M compliance across the public square.
We selected the hard landscape materials to complement the surrounding architecture and built form. High-quality paving forms a continuous ‘carpet’ across the square. Furthermore, new paving responds carefully to existing interfaces and materials. This approach helps the new public realm sit comfortably within its established urban context.
We also developed a robust planting palette for the environmental conditions of the site. Tree species were selected for their visual qualities and wildlife benefits. Meanwhile, shrub and groundcover species provide evergreen foliage, seasonal interest, scent and additional wildlife value. Together, these planting choices strengthen the landscape character and ecological function of the new public square.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 4a to 6
Client: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Developer/ Contractor: JB Riney