The shortlisted designs for the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial in St James’s Park, London, have been revealed, showcasing visionary concepts from leading architecture and design studios. Each proposal seeks to honour the late monarch’s 70-year reign with a blend of art, landscape, and engineering, all centred around a new bridge spanning St James’s Park Lake.
Among the five competing teams are Foster + Partners, Heatherwick Studio, WilkinsonEyre, J&L Gibbons, and Tom Stuart-Smith, each presenting a unique interpretation of a space for reflection and unity. The public is now invited to view the designs online and provide feedback before the final selection is made in April 2026.
Heatherwick Studio’s Bridge of Togetherness
Heatherwick Studio, in collaboration with sculptor Halima Cassell and landscape designers MRG Studio, has proposed the Bridge of Togetherness, a sculptural pathway crowned by eight lily-like canopies. At its heart stands a statue of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolising unity—a core value of her reign.
“Our design is rooted in the idea of togetherness,” said the studio. “A physical expression of what the Queen stood for above all else: unity.”
Foster + Partners’ Unity Bridge and Commonwealth Garden
Foster + Partners, working with landscape architect Michel Desvigne Paysagiste, envisions a stone pathway leading to the Unity Bridge, a jewel-like structure anchoring the memorial journey. The design also features a statue of the Queen on The Mall and Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture within the park.
“The Commonwealth Garden and Wind Sculpture define a space for reflection, while the Unity Bridge crowns the memorial journey,” explained the team.
WilkinsonEyre’s Overlapping Bridges
WilkinsonEyre, alongside artists Lisa Vandy and Fiona Clark, proposes two overlapping bridges as the focal point of their design. The scheme integrates contemplative pathways that weave through the park’s natural landscape.
“We envision a thread of pathways gently woven through St James’s Park—its trees, lake, and terrain—creating a journey that honours her seven decades of service,” they said.
Tom Stuart-Smith’s Oak Tree Memorial
Landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, with Jamie Fobert Architects, presents an exact cast of an oak tree from Windsor Great Park, set on a plinth in the lake. A curved stone bridge offers a viewing platform, symbolising strength and endurance.
“The oak represents her steadfast presence, while the bridge serves as both a memorial and civic space,” the team noted.
J&L Gibbons’ Geological Tribute
J&L Gibbons, with set designer Michael Levine, proposes a bridge inspired by bedrock, reflecting the Queen’s role as the “nation’s foundation.” The design features a meandering path beneath a blossoming tree canopy, blending nature with artistry.
Following the public consultation, the winning design will be announced next year, marking a lasting tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.