The new Cavendish Square still has no playground – why is there no space for children in central London?

Cavendish Square – a green oasis just steps away from Oxford Circus – is set for a major transformation in the coming years. Afisha.London has previously reported on the ambitious redevelopment plans around 33 Cavendish Square and the former London College of Fashion building. Now it’s clear that the changes will go beyond architecture — reshaping the public realm itself.

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The private garden, originally laid out in 1717 and only opened to the public in the 1970s, is due for a full-scale rethink. Plans include a new water feature, redesigned entrances, and even an underground medical centre in place of the current car park. The project took a step forward recently when Westminster City Council formally handed over the land for redevelopment.

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Developer Reef Group plans to invest around £3 million in upgrading Cavendish Square Gardens. The area of pedestrian paths will nearly double, and there will be new landscaping, improved crossings to Holles Street and Oxford Street, a two-metre perimeter fence, and 50 new bicycle parking spots.

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At Afisha.London, we follow urban changes closely in our “Urbanisation” section — and once again, we found no mention of a children’s play area in the redevelopment plans.

We asked our editor-in-chief, Margarita Bagrova, for her view:

“London is still a genuinely kids-friendly city — packed with family events, museums, and theatre for children. But what we’re missing, especially in central areas, are the simplest and most essential public spaces: playgrounds.

For families living in or visiting the centre, there are few options for children to simply play. These spaces aren’t just about recreation — they support children’s mental health, social development, movement, and a connection to nature beyond screens and structured activities. We at Afisha.London believe the lack of play areas in new developments is a shortfall that city planners can no longer ignore.”

Read also: London’s Design Museum plans major transformation for its 40th anniversary

Фото: Reef Group

One of the main draws for the developer was the underground space. The current car park beneath the square is set to be transformed into a multi-use hub, with proposals for a panoramic cinema, modern gym, restaurants, cafés and retail. At the heart of the scheme will be a glazed medical centre with natural light — a striking new use of subterranean London.

Planning permission for the redevelopment was granted back in 2022. Q-Park, the car park operator, has since agreed to terminate its lease early (originally set to expire in 2036).

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While the garden will remain publicly owned, Westminster City Council plans to sell the underground site to Reef Group — a move that could generate up to £42 million for the council’s budget. Once final formalities are complete, a clearer timeline will emerge for the start of construction — and for the unveiling of Cavendish Square’s new identity. Follow the project here.

Cover photo: Reef Group

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