The Royal Parks charity has appointed award-winning landscape specialist Blakedown Landscapes as the official contractor for the new garden in The Regent’s Park, which will commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
Following a competitive tender process, Blakedown will be responsible for delivering the landscape construction of the two-acre garden, which is set to open in 2026 to mark what would have been the late Queen’s centenary year.
The garden will transform a disused plant nursery into a beautiful and biodiverse space for visitors to enjoy. Key features will include a circular pond to support wildlife, a central promenade with an accessible viewing platform, and a flower garden showcasing species significant to the late Queen.
A disused water tower within the site will also be repurposed into an accessible viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the garden while supporting biodiversity through habitats for birds, bats, and invertebrates.
Blakedown will work closely with The Royal Parks to ensure the garden reflects both historic and contemporary design principles while championing sustainability. The project will incorporate climate-resilient planting, the reuse of materials from the former nursery, and environmentally sensitive construction methods.
Darren Share, Director of Parks at The Royal Parks, said: “We are delighted to welcome Blakedown as our landscape contractor for this transformative project. Their expertise will help bring our vision to life, creating a tranquil space for reflection that enhances biodiversity and is accessible to all.”
Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director at Blakedown Landscapes, said: “We are proud to have been entrusted as the principal contractor to deliver this significant new garden at The Regent’s Park, commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Having worked in partnership with The Royal Parks for over 35 years, we understand the importance of creating spaces that are both enduring and environmentally responsible. This project reflects a shared commitment to sustainability - enhancing biodiversity while adopting responsible construction techniques that minimise environmental impact. We look forward to contributing our expertise to this very special landscape that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Public engagement sessions held in 2024 demonstrated strong enthusiasm for the project, with visitors welcoming the opportunity for a new biodiverse and accessible green space in central London.
The new garden will complement the existing gardens of The Regent’s Park and is expected to attract millions of visitors. Construction is underway with progress updates available via The Royal Parks’ website.
