In 2020, temporary changes were introduced on Elizabeth Street to support outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance greenery and biodiversity. Following the success of this intervention, and a consultation with residents led by Westminster City Council, Publica developed a permanent public realm scheme for the street, building on the most effective elements of the temporary project.

Elizabeth Street has been revitalised with widened footways and reduced parking and loading, guided by a detailed kerbside analysis led by NRP. High-quality bespoke planting containers define a buffer between the carriageway and outdoor dining areas, improving pedestrian comfort and safety. The planting palette, designed around drought-tolerant species, was selected to minimise water use, support pollinators such as butterflies, moths, and bees, and balance immediate visual impact with long-term ease of maintenance.

At night, discreet uplighters integrated into the planters illuminate the greenery and ensure the scheme sustains a presence after dusk. Responsibility for maintaining these fittings has been handed over to tenants, encouraging their active stewardship of the street. Publica collaborated with UrbanSF to design and technically develop the bespoke planting containers, translating Publica’s concept into a durable, high-quality solution.

This initiative builds on a wider suite of improvements for Grosvenor to create a more welcoming southern arrival to Belgravia and establish a unified public space.