Leicester Square is located in the heart of London’s West End and is visited by millions of tourists each year.  As one of the world’s most famous landmarks and the entertainment gateway to the West End, it is vital that the Square meets the expectations of these visitors.

We have been working closely with our partners on the development of a design for a new, revitalised Leicester Square, the gardens and its nine gateway streets.  It was this vision that led to the adoption of the Leicester Square Action Plan in 2002 and the long term commitment to transform the landscape of the Square.

The initial process outlining the dramatic designs for the Square, including the installation of a 200 metre granite ‘ribbon’ seat, has now come to an end.  Various aspects of the concept design were refined and the Initial Design Report was issued in April 2008.  The next stage is the creation of the detailed design.  The procurement of a contractor to implement the scheme will be undertaken once the funding is agreed.  Heart of London continues to lead and facilitate negotiations around a funding package with private sector and Westminster City Council.  It is anticipated that the scheme will commence in October 2010 and be completed in preparation for the 2012 Olympics.

A Management Strategy Group has been established with the funding partners to develop a long-term management plan for Leicester Square.  Sarah Porter, Chief Executive of Heart of London Business Alliance, chairs this group.