TRENTON SQUARE, JERSEY

Landscape Cost: Approx. £1 million
RIBA Work Stages: 2 to 6

Guarda carried out the concept and detailed design for Trenton Square and surrounding streets, at the new International Finance Centre in St Helier. This resulted in novation to the contractor for implementation on
site.

The space is the key entrance into St Helier from the harbour and the waterfront and forms an important link between the town centre and the seafront parks and beaches. The design references the style and character of the surrounding buildings and the wider island environment and also provides a sophistication and quality appropriate for this important financial hub.

The scheme ensures easy circulation, a variety of spaces in which to sit, eat, gather and relax and provides a green oasis within the town. A key challenge has been the provision of suitable planting to withstand and thrive in the harsh maritime climate and the constraints of a podium environment. Sun and shade studies were carried out to ensure species selection are appropriate.

Coordination with the other disciplines were paramount, to provide a cohesive interface with the buildings, services, drainage, podium construction and other constraints. We also led the lighting design process with the assistance of our partners at light Bureau. The practice also assisted in the development of the sculptural focus of the square, ensuring that the artist ideas fitted the space and the landscape setting.