Meristem Design recently completed revitalising the iconic OXO Tower Wharf for Coin Street with vibrant planters, lush trees and over 400 new plants, enhancing the prominent London riverside location.
Award-winning London landmark
OXO Tower Wharf, an award-winning landmark on London’s South Bank, is home to some of the UK’s most innovative contemporary designers, as well as renowned restaurants, cafés, bars, and exhibition venues. The new planters replace aged timber with striking red galvanised, powder-coated steel which offer a more durable and long-lasting solution, improving both the aesthetic appeal and resilience of the space.
The bold red design also embraces OXO’s brand identity while adding vibrancy to the area.
New climate-friendly plants
As part of the transformation, Meristem Design planted over 400 plants, bringing fresh greenery and biodiversity to the busy location. New plant species include erigeron, pittosporum, geranium and miscanthus. Additionally, six silver birch trees, which had begun to outgrow their pots and were suffering from the challenging climatic conditions near the River Thames, were replaced with cone-shaped Taxus trees. These evergreen trees provide a more structured and resilient planting solution, better suited to the riverside environment.
Planters for a safer area
Beyond their visual impact, the new planters also serve a functional purpose. Strategically placed to help slow movement around the tower and along the riverside, they act as a subtle intervention to prevent cars, bikes, and skateboards from speeding through the area, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for pedestrians and improving local air quality.
This refresh strengthens the OXO Towers' position as a vibrant cultural and design hub, making the space even more inviting for residents, visitors, and businesses. By enhancing both the aesthetic and ecological value of the area, Meristem Design and Coin Street have helped create a greener, more welcoming space to enrich the popular urban landscape.
