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Make Annual 10
Mixed use – Rathbone Square
Retail
The new publicly accessible central garden
The retail units are split between the
provides 1,600m2 of attractive open space,
ground level, arranged around the central
which will become a popular destination
public garden and basement level 1,
in its own right and can be accessed via
providing a total 42,500m2 of net area.
three points marked by decorative gates
Offering a wide range of unit sizes, with the
and covered passageways. The beautifully
smallest measuring 30m and the largest
landscaped green space is designed for
900m2, the ground f loor retail creates active
quiet relaxation, separate and distinct from
frontages to both the street elevations and
the activity of Oxford Street, and comprises
the garden-facing facades.
a mix of soft and hard landscaping, semi-
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Key to the success of a project like Rathbone Square is extensive and close collaboration between the design team and the client. This approach has resulted in a high-quality design which will enhance the urban fabric in Fitzrovia, particularly with the introduction of a new public square offering much needed amenity space. The scheme will play a key role in the regeneration of the east end of Oxford Street ahead of Crossrail opening.
mature trees, ‘garden rooms’, seating
Gardens
areas, raised planters, a central lawn,
The landscape concept is fundamental to
water features and public art.
the vision for the site and aims to build a strong identity for the development, create
The building mass has been carefully
a sense of place and establish an attractive,
designed so that almost every part of the
welcoming new neighbourhood amenity
garden will receive direct sunlight in the
that will become a ‘green oasis’ in the heart
summer months. A communal residential
of the West End. The external spaces are
garden is located towards the north
fully integrated with the existing pedestrian
boundary of the site and provides 215m2
network and the new public route which
of amenity for the residents occupying
links Newman Street and Rathbone Place.
the private apartments.
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Neil Thompson Portfolio Director, Great Portland Estates
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