Background

In May 2012, in advance of the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Leicester Square reopened following major public realm improvements to this world famous London square. A flagship scheme in the Mayor’s Great Outdoors programme, the design was undertaken by Burns + Nice for Westminster City Council specifically for Leicester Square. The aim of the scheme was to re-establish Leicester Square and its Gardens as a ‘must see’ destination and to create a distinct sense of place in London’s West End.

The Square’s distinctive new design features granite paving, bespoke lighting, signage, extensive seating (both formal and informal), stainless steel railings and gates, and a new water feature.

Marshalls manufactured the bespoke seats and benches, which are located in the Gardens. The unique seating comprises a polished bronze frame and Iroko timber slats, providing a premium quality product of a timeless design that is also robust. Engineers at Marshalls collaborated closely with Burns + Nice in order to deliver an exceptional result, entirely in line with the designer’s original intent. The seats and benches are designed in a modular configuration, defined by the new central area within the Gardens.

Particular challenges overcome included the manufacture of the timber slats, that were cut to a radius in two dimensions, the manufacture of the bronze frame, accommodating level changes across the site and installation on site that required the paving pattern to be respected.

Approach

Working with closely with Burns + Nice, Marshalls applied many years’ experience to bring the simple yet challenging forms to reality.

Outcome

A stylish and inviting seating area, made from the highest quality materials that will mature with the Square and stand the test of time.