Studio Weave, with Architecture 00 and landscape consultant Realm, won a competition to deliver the commission more than five years ago, ahead of rival submissions by Rome-based Alvisi-Kirimoto Partners, London’s Feilden Fowles Architects, Belfast’s Hall McKnight, and Studio Ben Allen with Paul Archer Design.
The office accommodates everything the city gardens team needs to maintain the park, including a kitchenette, sitting room, WC, wet room for washing and cleaning equipment, storage for tools and a hub for electronics.
An accompanying yard provides secure external space for storing more equipment, and an electric vehicle charging point.
Inspired by the grand proportions of the surrounding circus, the building is curved in form, and is constructed from natural stone and clay render in a pink hue – chosen to contrast with surrounding foliage.
The walls also have a base of Kentish Ragstone in keeping with London’s relationship with the material. This is exposed inside, doubling up as skirting.
Internally, the walls are a combination of oak-veneered panels in clay-based plaster. The structure also uses reclaimed greenheart timber – expressed in the soffit.
The building sits within the re-landscaped gardens, which were designed by Realm (formerly known as ReardonSmith Landscape). The design aims to increase biodiversity, includes new pathways, improves accessibility and creates new seating. New planting has been set with input from Tom Massey Studio.
The extensive landscaping upgrade includes 12 additional tree species, over 13,000 plants, and more than 6,000 bulbs.
New sustainable drainage systems have been put in place to reduce the risk of flooding in line with the City of London Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which supports the Square Mile’s ambition to gain net zero carbon status by 2040.
While Finsbury Circus Gardens dates back to 1606, it was laid out in its present form during the early 19th century, according to plans drawn up by George Dance the Younger. It sits within the Finsbury Circus Conservation Area, and the 2.2ha elliptical gardens have been owned and managed by the City Corporation since 1812.
It reopened to the public in July 2025 with a temporary lawn after being closed for the construction of the Elizabeth Line and a subsequent £2.8 million redevelopment.
Last year, the AJ reported that rising construction costs were to blame for Architecture 00 and Studio Weave’s Finsbury Circus Gardens revamp completing without its planned pavilion café.
The original proposal, which won planning approval in 2022, originally featured a 100-capacity, open-fronted pavilion café built of ‘low-carbon concrete’ and Portland stone, and was intended to serve as a social hub for the park.
Architect’s view
Our buildings sit most comfortably when they understand the role they serve within their wider setting. At Finsbury Circus, the Parks Office emerges quietly from the landscape, affording places to perch and shelter in the spirit of generosity that supports both human and non-human life in the city.
The City of London Corporation understands the value of long-term stewardship of public space, and it has been a pleasure to work with a client that champions this way of thinking in both architecture and landscape. This project continues a series of collaborations between the City and Studio Weave, alongside landscape architects and horticulturalists including Tom Stuart-Smith at Bank Junction, Tom Massey at Jubilee Gardens, and Realm here at Finsbury Circus.
We look forward to seeing the Parks Office become a welcoming base for the City Gardens team as they care for the critical green spaces, whose health is vital in helping our cities adapt to climate change.
JJ Cliff, director, Studio Weave
Client’s view
The Finsbury Circus Parks Office pavilion has been a tremendous success, delivering a thoughtfully designed and highly functional facility that sits comfortably within its historic garden setting. The building complements the surrounding open space beautifully, enhancing rather than competing with the landscape, while providing a distinctive and welcoming focal point.
From an operational perspective, the pavilion has transformed the way our teams work. It provides much-needed welfare and operational facilities, giving staff a high-quality base from which to manage and maintain one of the City’s most valued green spaces. The project demonstrates how excellent design can successfully combine practicality, sustainability and architectural quality, creating a building that supports our workforce while enriching the experience of the park for visitors.
The collaborative approach taken throughout the project was instrumental to its success, resulting in a pavilion that meets operational needs, reflects the character of Finsbury Circus and sets a benchmark for future investment in public realm infrastructure.
Joe Kingston, assistant director, City Gardens, City of London Corporation
Project data
Location Finsbury Circus, London EC2M
Start on site September 2024
Completion September 2025
Gross internal floor area 36m2
Gross (internal + external) floor area 48m2
Form of contract or procurement route JCT traditional
Construction cost Undisclosed
Architect Studio Weave
Client City of London Corporation
Structural engineer Engenuiti
M&E consultant XCO2
QS Currie & Brown
Landscape consultant Realm
Project manager Potter Raper
Principal designer PHPS
Main contractor Maylim
CAD software used Microstation
Predicted design life 30 years