Hans Crescent Knightsbridge public realm improvement news
23 July 2026
Address: Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, south west London, United Kingdom.
Architecture: Andy Sturgeon Design
CGIs of the proposed public realm improvements on Hans Crescent © Andy Sturgeon Design
The Knightsbridge Estate And Harrods Commence Joint Public Realm Improvements To Hans Crescent
LONDON, UK – The Knightsbridge Estate and Harrods have announced the start of works on a public realm improvement scheme on Hans Crescent, an important retail, dining and pedestrian destination in the heart of Knightsbridge. Connecting Harrods with The Knightsbridge Estate’s retail and hospitality offer, Hans Crescent is home to three cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating and serves as one of the principal access points from Knightsbridge Underground Station. The project will deliver improvements to paving, planting, trees, lighting and public seating, with completion scheduled for autumn 2026.
The scheme has been designed by Andy Sturgeon Design, the landscape architecture practice behind the recently completed Sloane Street public realm improvements, and will create a greener, more welcoming and better-connected public space. The enhanced public realm will support outdoor dining, encourage visitors to spend more time in the area and improve the experience for residents, workers and visitors alike, while maintaining clear pedestrian routes through Hans Crescent.
Key elements of the works include a new paving palette along the centre of Hans Crescent, six areas of raised planting with seating, the replacement of existing lampposts with lighting that is sympathetic to the surrounding heritage architecture, and a dedicated art zone for temporary installations.
Four existing trees will be retained, with three new trees planted as part of the scheme. Around 80 sq m of planting will also be introduced, including a mix of evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, ferns, flowering perennials and bulbs selected to provide year-round interest.
The seating will be thoughtfully integrated within the planting scheme, with a variety of seating heights to support accessibility and comfort. The design has been carefully arranged to encourage people to pause and spend time in the space while maintaining clear pedestrian routes and sightlines through the street.
Sarah Waller, speaking on behalf of The Knightsbridge Estate, said:
“The start of works on Hans Crescent marks an important milestone in our continued investment in Knightsbridge. Hans Crescent sits at the heart of the neighbourhood, bringing together world-class retail, hospitality and public spaces in one of London’s most iconic destinations. Delivered in partnership with Harrods, these improvements will create a greener and more welcoming environment for visitors, residents and local businesses, encouraging people to spend more time in the area while further strengthening Knightsbridge’s position as one of London’s leading retail and leisure destinations.”
Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, said:
“Harrods is proud to be part of the revitalisation of Hans Crescent. The project goes beyond traditional urban enhancement; it creates an inclusive, welcoming communal space that elevates the shopper experience while prioritising sustainability. From the climate-resilient planting to the accessible seating designed by Andy Sturgeon Design, every element reflects our dedication to the long-term commitment to the stewardship of Knightsbridge.”
Andy Sturgeon, Founder of Andy Sturgeon Design, said:
“Hans Crescent has a distinctive character, shaped by its architecture and its position at the heart of Knightsbridge. Our design is intended to sit comfortably within that context, creating a greener and more considered public space within one of London’s busiest retail districts. The planting will bring structure and seasonal interest, while the integrated seating will create places to pause without interrupting pedestrian movement.”
Cllr Josh Rendall, Lead Member for Transport, Parks, and Clean Streets, said:
“Hans Crescent is a great example of the kind of place-making our residents, businesses and visitors expect in Kensington and Chelsea; greener, cleaner, more welcoming and easier to enjoy on foot. Projects like this support our Amazing Spaces ambition by improving the public realm, strengthening local character and making our borough’s high streets and destinations even better places to spend time in.”
The works sit alongside a series of enhancements delivered by The Knightsbridge Estate to improve the visitor and resident experience, including the pedestrianisation of Basil Street and the delivery of a new step-free entrance to Knightsbridge Underground Station.
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About The Knightsbridge Estate
The Knightsbridge Estate is a spectacular 3.5-acre island site located between the world-famous department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols, bounded by Brompton Road to the north and Basil Street to the south. The Knightsbridge Estate contains a mix of uses including prime retail units, Grade A office accommodation, cafés, restaurants, and residential accommodation.
1.5 acres of The Knightsbridge Estate have been subject to a comprehensive redevelopment behind retained period facades. The development, which is now complete, delivers seven flagship retail units, 67,000 sq. ft. of offices, 33 luxury rental apartments and a rooftop restaurant.
The Knightsbridge Estate was purchased by The Olayan Group in 2010 and is asset managed by Schroders Capital. Since acquisition, The Olayan Group has invested significantly in The Knightsbridge Estate to upgrade and enhance the buildings and public realm across the site to ensure they retain their period features while providing accommodation that is appropriate for modern occupiers.
https://www.theknightsbridgeestate.co.uk/
@theknightsbridgeestate
About Harrods
Harrods has been serving customers from its Knightsbridge store since 1849, today the store is the world’s ultimate luxury emporium. Harrods is home to more than 3000 curated brands as well as over 20 dining destinations and expert fashion, home, beauty and wellness services. In addition, Harrods serves customers via harrods.com, H beauty and airport stores and hospitality destinations in Qatar. Follow @harrods on Instagram and Harrods哈罗德百货 on WeChat.
About Andy Sturgeon Design
Andy Sturgeon Design is an award-winning internationally renowned landscape architecture and garden design consultancy working throughout the UK and overseas. Established in 1988, the practice comprises an international team of landscape architects, urban designers, garden designers and horticulturalists. Founded on a passion for design excellence and innovation, the team, led by Andy Sturgeon, combine creativity and innovative design to create climate resilient landscapes and gardens with strong connections to nature and their wider context.
Hans Crescent Knightsbridge public realm improvement images / information from PLP Architecture 230726
Location: Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge, west London, England, UK.
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Major Knightsbridge buildings close by:
One Hyde Park flats : Background on the development
One Hyde Park apartments : Photographs of property under construction
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Comments / photos for the Hans Crescent Knightsbridge public realm improvement by Andy Sturgeon Design. page welcome.
