Eccleston Yards

Landscape and lighting design for an ex-industrial yard within Belgravia

Once an industrial yard within Belgravia, Eccleston Yards was redeveloped in 2017 to bring in new restaurants, retail and leisure. Despite these new uses, there was still a general lack of awareness of the space within the local area and as a destination for visitors.

Publica designed a series of landscape and lighting improvements at Eccleston Yards for Grosvenor, joining a project team including Stiff + Trevillion Architects and graphic designers The Plant. Our proposal draws inspiration from the yards’ industrial past, strengthening its identity and creating a unified sense of place at the entrances and across the site.

The greenery of Eccleston Yards invites passers-by into a calmer, secluded space from busy streets. A diverse planting palette of shrubs and herbaceous species bring vivacity and biodiversity throughout all seasons. Up-lit planting enhances long views through the Yards, maximising visibility down the entire path.

From day to night, Eccleston Yards has been transformed into a vibrant destination for both the local community and wider visitors.

A sketched proposed view of the entrance to Eccleston Yards with a large sign hanging above the entrance to the courtyard.
Sketched proposed view of a pedestrian crossing the road as someone sits down and a third person walks along the pavement.
A sketched proposed view of Eccleston Yards in night and day.
 

After dark, new lighting improves legibility and reflects the site’s industrial character. Two new lanterns — inspired by traditional gas mantles — signal arrival, one hanging above Eccleston Place main entrance, and the other at Ebury Street. High-mounted and carefully tested on-site, the lanterns publicise the once concealed Eccleston Yards.

Photograph of the testing of the white lantern at the entrance of Eccleston Yards.
The entrance to Eccleston Yards after dark with a large illuminated lamp announcing the entrance to the yard as people walk past on the pavement.
Photograph of the entrance of the courtyard at Eccleston Yards at night.
Photograph of the entrance of the courtyard at Eccleston Yards at night.
Photograph of the entrance of the courtyard at Eccleston Yards at night.
Photograph of the entrance to Eccleston Yards in daytime.
Photograph of planting in Eccleston Yards in daytime with two people walking through.
Photograph of the entrance to Eccleston Yards in daytime.
Photograph of planting in metal planters.

  • Year

    2021–23

  • Client

    Grosvenor

  • Project type

    Urban Design

  • Collaborators

    Stiff + Trevellion, The Plant, HPM, Edward Pearce

  • Location

    Eccleston Place, Belgravia, London

A photograph of a road lined with black planters and bushy plants with a cyclist riding down the road.

Elizabeth Street