The project aimed to rejuvenate the existing planting which had grown to be unsuitable for the space while creating a more vibrant, biodiverse public space that complemented the historic surroundings of the Lyceum Theatre. A key objective was to encourage pollinators without compromising footfall or the accessibility of the seating areas, as raised by the BID.

The scheme involved the refurbishment of four circular seating planters and additional rectangular planters surrounding the Lyceum Theatre. Existing planting was removed before replacing with topsoil and mulch. A new pollinator-boosting planting scheme was installed throughout the space alongside the addition of 16 climbing plants within the rectangular planters. Meristem are also providing a 12 month maintenance programme to ensure the planting establishes and thrives. Some of the plants used include:

• Erysimum ‘Bowles’s mauve’
• Verben drums blue
• Campanula ‘Get mee blue’
• Griselinia littoralis

The refreshed planting scheme was carefully designed to improve biodiversity while maintaining the practical function of the seating planters. By considering how people interact with the space, the project balanced visitor comfort, visual interest and ecological value.

The project transformed the look and feel to one of London’s most iconic theatres into a greener and more inviting public space. Through thoughtful planting design, the scheme demonstrates how biodiversity can be successfully integrated into busy tourist and visitor spots without  negatively affecting how people use and enjoy them.