Princes Circus

Built

Princes Circus credit Neil Speakman for LDA Design

This is a new public square created by reclaiming a section of Shaftesbury Avenue and Bloomsbury Street. It is beautifully lit and made special by generous seating and woodland planting.

Princes Circus is a new bow-tie piazza created by reclaiming a section of Shaftesbury Avenue and Bloomsbury Street from traffic. Welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists, it is richly planted, beautifully lit and with generous seating. Mature trees, dappled shade and understorey planting gives the northern square a woodland feel. To the south, the space is open and provides a great spot to meet outside the Shaftesbury Theatre. The redesign has transformed business for local cafés and shops.

This project is featured alongside our Public London: Activating the City insight study. The publication, exhibition and online project directory explore what constitutes a successful and democratic public realm today, the role of co‑creation and partnerships, and how we can ensure that places are fit‑for‑purpose in the long term.

Project information

Status

Built

Borough

Camden

Size

3400 sq m

Completion

July 2023

Location

Princes Circus, 243 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8EH, UK

Team Credits