This is a historic setting and the development will ensure the existing poor quality ‘hardscape’ is transformed into a beautifully landscaped setting. High quality planting and green roofs will increase biodiversity, supporting wildlife and attracting bees and butterflies. The most important elements of the heritage landscape will be preserved and enhanced.

The landscape of the Southern Courtyard will be softened with the addition of plants and trees and the cobbles removed will be reused in designs for the Northern Courtyard and the existing, geometrical layout of the southern courtyard will be incorporated into the new landscape scheme.

The Southern Courtyard will become an important space, where residents can relax, socialise and indulge in creative activities. This will be a hub for music, crafts, yoga, meditation and for simply observing nature. Solitary spaces will provide peace and quiet for those who prefer seclusion.

The Northern Courtyard will open to the public and to those who use the work and event spaces at County Hall Kingston. Fruit trees, underplanted with spring bulbs, and edible plants will sit alongside a Petanque court to encourage intergenerational play.

Play space for younger members of the community, including the ‘Natural Play’ essential to young people’s physical, social and cognitive development, will be created. This will be focused around the two courtyards and in areas around Milner Passage and along the Penrhyn Road frontage and pocket park.

During the County Hall’s history, few members of the public have been able to gain unrestricted access to the buildings and grounds which were used for legal and administrative purposes. The restoration of the 1893 building, which will be open to members of the community with events space and a café as well as workspaces and studios. The landscaped setting will be enjoyed by the public as well as those who work there whilst residents will have access to their own landscaped areas. The buildings and the landscaping will provide the public with interesting insights into the history and significance of the Grade II* listed buildings and the associated setting.

At County Hall, the landscape design reveals an understanding of the elements of the ‘best green landscaping’: pedestrian and cycle friendly with access along the edge of the development and paths connecting new and existing landscaped areas. A new landscaped mews street, accessible to the public, will link Penrhyn Road to the River Thames through Mercer Street and there will be open access to the Northern Courtyard and to a new pocket park, created on the corner of The Bittoms.