Kingston council yesterday (Wednesday, 10 December) announced award-winning specialist contractor, Blakedown Landscapes as the construction partner for regenerating the Memorial Gardens.

The plans aim to improve connectivity, safety, and inclusivity of the site, ensuring the space is welcoming to all residents and visitors while respecting the area as a garden of memory and its cultural significance for commemoration and ceremony.

The planned improvements to Memorial Gardens include increasing the amount of trees, seating and garden planting, new pathways to Eden Walk and Pratt's Passage, as well as enhanced lighting to ensure the site is an inviting space for all users - day and night. 

Enhancements will also highlight and improve the setting of important heritage assets, including the War Memorial and the gravestone of Josiah Clues, a Lieutenant in the British Army who served in the Battle of Waterloo.

Councillor Alison Holt, portfolio holder for leisure and economic development at Kingston Council, said: "Memorial Gardens is an incredibly special space in the heart of our town centre, and has been for centuries.

"The design has been shaped with our communities to ensure that the garden continues to be a space for contemplation, reflection and enjoyment for years to come."

Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive at Kingston First, added: "We're proud to have invested in this unique and much-loved part of Kingston.

"This project has been shaped closely with businesses and communities and will create a more welcoming, accessible and meaningful space.

"We're excited to see the transformation begin early next year and look forward to the gardens reopening in the spring for everyone to enjoy."

Works are due to start in early January 2026 and completed by late spring 2026, in time for all to enjoy the transformed green space over the summer.

You can find out more information about the plans here.