Consent for Hans Crescent flower kiosk set to put a spring in the step of Harrods and The Knightsbridge Estate

A beautiful new flower kiosk for Hans Crescent is one step closer to realisation after Make secured planning consent for this bespoke new structure to be built on the historic street, on behalf of Harrods and its neighbour The Knightsbridge Estate, which also flanks Hans Crescent.

The elegant glass and bronze kiosk is part of a wider landscaping plan by both parties to provide more legibility and coherence to the street, pedestrianised in 2006 and complementing the substantial revitalisation of The Knightsbridge Estate. Together they will build on the street’s current character and historic narrative to bring out its full potential as a public space. The kiosk will be the focal point of the plans – bringing colour, animation and seasonal variation, and drawing pedestrians down the full length of the street, as they exit Knightsbridge tube station.

Our single-storey pavilion has an elegant curved design which responds to its conservation area setting and picks up on the materials of the surrounding shop fronts. Inspired by the designs of Wardian cases used for keeping and transporting fragile plants, the oval-shaped 11m² structure is fully glazed and supported by a delicate bronze frame. The pavilion’s form projects outwards slightly at roof level to provide shelter for the displays and customers.

Internal marble joinery will provide all the necessary storage and equipment, whilst feature lighting integrated into the structure will transform it into a public artwork at night.

Project architect Grigor Grigorov said: “We’ve been working with Harrods on numerous projects to sensitively update and restore the historic fabric of the store, so it’s been great also to have the opportunity to work with The Knightsbridge Estate on this public realm project. Hans Crescent is an important public space, but in recent years has suffered from overcrowding and safety concerns. The proposed kiosk and landscaping improvements will act as a form of ‘urban acupuncture’, refocusing the pedestrian flows and bringing additional colour, joy and vibrance to the street, reinforcing its identity as the gateway to Knightsbridge.”