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A big makeover of St Paul’s Gyratory – that’s the complex and quite frankly perilous one-way traffic system outside the cathedral – has been in the works since 2023. In 2024 it was also announced that a huge new public square and play area would be built in front of the cathedral, called Greyfriars Square.
Work on the roads initially began in April 2025, though there’s now a new update on the project. The final designs for the new public square were officially approved in December 2025 (see pictures below). It’s expected that Greyfriars Square could be complete by mid-2027.
The detailed designs for Greyfriars Square have now been given planning permission by the City of London Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee, allowing works to begin on the final stages of the transformation project.
Once finished, the 3,500-square-metre square will be the City of London’s largest public open space. In the plans, almost 1,500 square metres of existing roads will be converted into new pavement. There will also be 800 new metres of east-west and north-south cycle lanes, plus new and improved crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
The three traffic lanes at the south end of King Edward Street will be closed to traffic and converted into a new 3,500 square-metre pedestrianised public square, equivalent to the size of 12 tennis courts. The square will be filled with trees, flower beds, public seating and a children’s play area.
Earlier this year, chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee Shravan Joshi said: ‘The St Paul’s Gyratory project will enhance all that the Square Mile offers, creating a welcoming walking route that connects the Tate Modern to the future London Museum. I am extremely proud that this is the biggest open space ever to be delivered in the City, which will have amenities that offer a place to rest, socialise and play.
‘We are committed to deliver new public spaces for everyone to enjoy, in line with our “Destination City” growth strategy to secure the Square Mile’s status as a world-leading place to invest.’
The legendary 1960s West End building that is being transformed into a vast shopping centre.
This Piccadilly line station will soon be partially closed for a year.
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