LIBERATION SQUARE, ST. HELIER

Landscape Cost: £500,000 – £750,000
RIBA Stages: 2/3

GUARDA were commissioned by the Government of Jersey to reimagine and update the existing well-loved Liberation Square, close to St. Helier Marina. The Square is the site of the yearly Liberation Day celebrations and centres on the Liberation Sculpture, a key landmark of St. Helier representing the liberation of the island from occupation by German Forces in May 1945.

The key considerations were for circulation, connectivity, use and facilities and integration with road infrastructure improvement works. The existing and proposed site was modelled in 3D to allow for detailed inventories of existing materials that could be reclaimed and ensured that the client was informed of costings throughout the design process. GUARDA engaged trusted consultants to support roles ensuring a Landscape-Led approach and providing a one-stop shop for the client.

The proposals respect the existing design with the Liberation Sculpture at its core and reuses existing features and materials while also enhancing the narrative of the square and its importance to the island. Improvements are proposed to the quality of the public realm with a simple and classic design to take the square into the 21st century. Connections to the surrounding public spaces are created by opening up views to key historic features and extending a consistent palette of materials and furniture within the local context.

An existing WW1 memorial arch is reframed to form the focal axis connecting Liberation Square with the neighbouring Weighbridge Place and leading to a new raised pedestrian and cycle crossing. The proposals address the existing roads which dominate the area with trees and planting in the central reservation, creating a more attractive, green, and connected environment for pedestrians and cyclists.