The practice beat four other finalists with a concept centred on a new cast-glass bridge inspired by the late Queen’s wedding tiara.
The masterplan includes a new Prince Philip Gate and commemorative gardens representing the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, designed as spaces for reflection and gathering.
A statue of both Queen Elizabeth and Philip side by side at the Prince Philip Gate will also feature in the final scheme, which will formally launch in April 2026—marking what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s hundredth birthday year.
Foster’s team includes artist Yinka Shonibare CBE and French landscape designer Michel Desvigne. The project is being led by the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, who praised the design’s blend of formality, artistry, and technical skill.
Founder Norman Foster said: “Our design reflects Her Majesty’s love of history and tradition, while introducing a gentle, unifying intervention that respects the park’s nature and legacy.”
The project area covers parts of St James’s Park near Marlborough Gate and Birdcage Walk and will replace the existing Blue Bridge.
A separate legacy programme to commemorate the Queen nationwide is also in development.
| Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Design Team | |
|---|---|
| Role | Firm / Individual |
| Creative & Contractual Lead, Architect, Structural & MEP Engineer, Landscape, Sustainability, Lighting, Principal Designer | Foster + Partners |
| Artist | Yinka Shonibare CBE |
| Landscape Architect | Michel Desvigne Paysagiste |
| Heritage Consultant | Purcell |
| Project Manager and Cost Consultant | Gardiner & Theobald |
| Digital & Wayfinding Designer | 2×4 |
| Ecology Consultant | Nigel Dunnett Studio |
| Accessibility Consultant | David Bonnett Associates |
| Logistics & Security Consultant | Arup |
| Planning Consultant | DP9 |
| Glass Structure Engineers | Eckersley O’Callaghan |
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