St Marylebone Parish Church Gardens
St Marylebone Parish Church uniquely provides spiritual replenishment and mental wellbeing through its church services, the complementary NHS facilities, and the surrounding gardens, extending its reach to visitors and the community more broadly. It is an anchor in the local neighbourhood, which provides physical space within the gardens to reconnect with nature, contributing to overall community vitality.
Responding to the St Marylebone Parish Church brief is an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate the gardens, enhancing the building’s setting and enriching the local community. The gardens are enjoyed by members of the St Marylebone congregation, hospital patients, employees, local workers, community members and students. From the engagement sessions it is clear that the gardens are an essential place to breathe, decompress and relax. They serve as an intimate reprieve from the bustling streets of Marylebone where the tree canopy cover provides cooling and shelter on hot summer days. The mature trees have a distinct visual identity and significant ecological value.
Drawing inspiration from the site’s built and natural heritage, we propose a contemporised take on the traditional Regency shrubbery, with planting designed to celebrate seasonal change, enhance biodiversity and provide an inviting setting with comfortable places to sit within.
PROJECT INFO
Client St Marylebone Parish Church
Location Marylebone, London
Date 2024-ongoing
Area 0.12ha
Tree proposed 7
CREDITS
Landscape Architect J&L Gibbons
Quantity Surveyor Hennessy Godden
Landscape Management Land Management Services
Photography © Sarah Blee