Foster + Partners has won the bid to design the Queen Elizabeth II memorial in St James’s Park, with a new cast-glass bridge inspired by the late Queen’s wedding tiara
The design concept features sculptures and a new Prince Philip Gate, as well as gardens dedicated to the Commonwealth and the communities of the United Kingdom.
A new bridge, replacing the existing Blue Bridge, will feature a cast-glass balustrade. The plans also currently involve audio installations and inscriptions to maintain the Queen’s voice throughout the journey.
Final designs are scheduled for April 2026
The winning team, out of the five finalists, includes artist Yinka Shonibare CBE and landscape designer Michel Desvigne.
Foster + Partners will now develop its initial concept in close partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee. The final design will be formally announced in April 2026.
This design concept is subject to change as it undergoes refinement and planning permissions.
The online gallery for the winner and the other competitors can be found here.
“Creative designs of the highest quality”
Committee Chair Robin Janvrin said: “Selecting the winner was no easy task. All five of the shortlisted teams produced creative designs of the highest quality.
“Foster + Partners’ ambitious and thoughtful masterplan will allow us and future generations to appreciate Queen Elizabeth’s life of service as she balanced continuity and change with strong values, common sense and optimism throughout her long reign.”
Founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, Norman Foster, said: “It is an honour and a privilege for our team to be awarded this project. Her Majesty loved history and tradition, so this is reflected in the inspiration of the original design of St James’s Park by Sir John Nash. Some of his principles have survived, whilst others have been lost and will be restored, creating a family of gardens joined by gently meandering paths.
“I knew The Queen on formal occasions but also enjoyed her informality when attending events as a member of the Order of Merit. We have sought to reflect these qualities of the formal and informal in our design, with an appeal across a wide range of ages and interests. To these ends, we have discreetly stretched the boundaries of art and technology with a deliberately gentle intervention. Our design will have the minimum impact on the nature and biodiversity of the Park and it will be phased to ensure that the precious route across it will never be closed.
“At the heart of our masterplan is a translucent bridge symbolic of Her Majesty as a unifying force, bringing together nations, countries, the Commonwealth, charities and the armed forces.”
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