One of London's most exclusive shopping boulevards has been given a dramatic and leafy refresh, blending high-end retail with a significant environmental upgrade. Sloane Street, the prestigious kilometre-long stretch between Knightsbridge and Sloane Square, is now home to over 100 new trees and considerably expanded pedestrian areas following a comprehensive public realm project.
A Leafy New Look for a Luxury Destination
The ambitious scheme, which represents the most substantial upgrade to the street since its 18th-century inception, has introduced a diverse array of foliage. More than 100 lime, juneberry, and osmanthus trees now line the avenue, accompanied by over 60 planters filled with climate-resilient shrubs and perennials. The planting design intentionally moves beyond simple greenery, featuring a rich tonal palette of maroons, reds, purples, and blues to enhance the street's visual appeal throughout the year.
Officially opened in February 2025, with works continuing into the autumn, the project was driven by the area's major landowner, Cadogan. The estate collaborated with landscape architects John McAslan + Partners and Andy Sturgeon Design to realise the vision. Early ecological assessments are promising, indicating the new planting has boosted local biodiversity on the street by an impressive 175 percent.
More Space for People, Less for Cars
The transformation extends far beyond planting. In a move to prioritise pedestrians and public life, the project has reduced the size of the carriageway and increased pavement space by 20 percent. This creates ample room for outdoor café seating, potential market stalls, and simply more comfortable browsing for shoppers. New public seating areas have also been installed, encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy the enhanced surroundings.
Commenting on the completed works, Cadogan CEO Hugh Seaborn stated the project 'marks a new era for Sloane Street,' enhancing its elegance and protecting its future. He emphasised that it enriches the experience for the local community while ensuring the destination competes globally, contributing to quality of life 'for many future generations.'
A Model for Sustainable Luxury
This significant investment underscores a growing trend where luxury retail destinations are integrating substantial environmental and public realm improvements into their identity. The overhaul of Sloane Street demonstrates how urban design can simultaneously support ecological goals, improve public space, and bolster the appeal of a high-end commercial area. By seamlessly connecting the luxury experience inside flagship stores with a more attractive, greener, and people-focused street environment, the project sets a new benchmark for London's premier shopping districts.
