News + Insights

Delivered in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and a wider consultant team, the transformation of Sloane Street reimagines one of London’s most recognisable avenues as a greener, more welcoming and pedestrian-focused civic space.

The project reflects a long-term commitment to design quality, placemaking and environmental improvement within the public realm, and recognises the dedication and collaboration of the many teams involved throughout the project’s development and delivery.

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this significant achievement.

For more information, click here for the RIBA website

https://www.riba.org/explore/awards/uk-awards/regional-awards/2026/london-awards-2026/sloane-street-london/

The head of a UK-based architect firm behind a proposal to transform Central Station into a sun-drenched greener gateway to the city has visited Brisbane to push for the project before 2032.

John McAslan + Partners recently unveiled a stunning vision to rip the dark metal canopy off the transport hub, bathing commuters in sunshine and showcasing the station’s heritage bones. A concept image reveals a sprawling, open-air concourse complete with a soaring transparent canopy, curved timber-look beams, and lush greenery, with views to Anzac Square.

The practice’s founder and executive chairman John McAslan was in the River City on Tuesday to see the station for himself and attend a roundtable with Economic Development Queensland, Queensland Investment Corporation, Transport and Main Roads, The Property Council and Brisbane City Council to discuss progressing the proposal.

“It’s drab and it’s dated and it is entirely inappropriate for an Olympic city,” Mr McAslan said of Central Station. “Brisbane is selling itself to the world, it needs to present itself as a city which is dynamic, and is welcoming to visitors rather than bringing them into a building which is completely sub-optimal, I’m afraid, by virtue of the clutter over the years.” Mr McAslan said a transformation of Brisbane’s Central was more of a”decluttering and activation exercise” rather than a significant rebuild.

“The concourse that exists, which has got that rather kind of crinkly roof over the top, get rid of that, re-roof the space, make it much more attractive as a top lid atrium and a place where people will linger and use the spaces rather than just getting out of the station as quickly as they possibly can,” he said.

“I think we feel that as a stage one, it would be very doable for the Olympics.”

He said a stage two could develop opportunities to bring life back into the heritage building.

by Rachel Riley for The Courier Mail

Titled Reclaiming Glasgow’s Civic Heart, the piece reflects on more than a decade of JMP’s involvement in the project and examines how the evolving design has been shaped through public consultation, accessibility engagement, sustainability ambitions, and changing ideas around civic space. The article positions George Square not only as Glasgow’s principal ceremonial space, but as a flexible and inclusive urban landscape capable of supporting everyday use, public gathering, play, protest, and climate resilience.

Kit discusses the project’s role within Glasgow’s wider £115 million Avenues programme, which is reshaping the city centre through greener streets, active travel infrastructure, rain gardens, and improved pedestrian connections. The article also highlights the collaborative and evidence-led process behind the project, from engagement with disability advocates and young people to the integration of nature-based solutions and long-term adaptability into the public realm strategy.

With works progressing on site and completion expected later this year, the feature offers valuable insight into the thinking, challenges, and ambitions behind one of the UK’s largest contemporary civic landscape projects.

John McAslan + Partners is pleased to share that Andy Harris, Director of Landscape and Urban Design, is featured in the April 2026 issue of Architecture Magazine UK.

In his article, “Landscape Design: Investing in the Public Realm”, Andy explores how contemporary landscape design must reconcile history, ecology, movement and modern urban life. He positions urban renewal not as replacement, but as reinterpretation – an approach that builds on existing character while responding to evolving patterns of use.

Drawing on key projects including the transformation of Sloane Street in London and the ongoing regeneration of George Square in Glasgow, the piece highlights how reallocating space toward pedestrians, integrating green infrastructure, and embedding inclusive design principles can reshape how civic spaces are experienced.

Andy also emphasises the broader value of public realm investment, outlining its role in supporting health and wellbeing, biodiversity, social cohesion and long-term economic resilience. His perspective reinforces the importance of landscape-led urban design as essential civic infrastructure for future cities.

Read the full article in Architecture Magazine UK.

John McAslan + Partners is proud to reflect on a remarkable moment for Doha’s cultural landscape, as the city hosted the inaugural Art Basel Qatar – bringing together leading international galleries, artists and cultural figures.

Set within Msheireb Downtown Doha, the event unfolded across key heritage sites including Company House and Bin Jelmood House, alongside the wider cultural district that includes M7 Cultural Forum. John McAslan + Partners has played a significant role in shaping these environments, contributing to the restoration and design of projects that support Doha’s evolving cultural identity.

An immersive dining experience activated these spaces in new ways, transforming Company House’s courtyard into a lively, communal setting. A bespoke installation – centred around shared dishes and a striking spice pyramid inspired by Souq Waqif – created a sensory experience of scent, texture and interaction, inviting guests to connect more openly within a museum setting.

At Bin Jelmood House, a complementary dessert installation drew on the geometry of the desert and Doha’s skyline, featuring sculptural arrangements of dates and an expansive display of baklava, celebrating hospitality and craftsmanship.

Together, these interventions demonstrated how thoughtfully designed spaces can support dynamic cultural programming – fostering inclusivity, creativity and exchange. At a time of wider regional uncertainty, the event stood as a reminder of the power of cultural gathering, and the role architecture plays in bringing people together.

(top image) Gohar adjusted the spice pyramid she made with Souq Waqif merchants.

Guest at Company House, one of two museums at which the dinner was held.

Laila Goha and her team building the baklava display for the dinner she created for Art Basel Qatar.

We are pleased that the MalDent Project – the new Malawi Dental School in Blantyre – has been recognised as one of the 10 Most Anticipated Architecture Projects of 2026 by Azure Magazine.

Currently under construction on the campus of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, the MalDent facility will become Malawi’s first dedicated dental school and integrated teaching centre. Designed by JMP in collaboration with the Scottish Government, the university, and local craftspeople, the project aims to transform dental education and healthcare provision across the country.

The 3,350-square-metre building is defined by its use of locally sourced red-clay brick, creating a strong sense of permanence while responding sensitively to its context. A series of tall brick fins and recessed windows provide passive shading, while a central atrium offers a light-filled space for student interaction and learning. Teaching facilities, including a 100-seat lecture theatre, are organised around this shared heart.

Sustainability is central to the design, with passive ventilation, a solar chimney, rainwater harvesting, and efficient building systems reducing environmental impact. The surrounding landscape is carefully integrated with the site’s natural slope and enhanced with native planting.

Scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, the MalDent Project reflects JMP’s commitment to delivering architecture that is both environmentally responsible and deeply rooted in local identity.

For the full list and AZURE online article, click here

Designed by John McAslan + Partners for John Holland Group as part of the Sydney Metro programme, the station was recognised for its clear spatial organisation, integrated public realm and strong incorporation of Indigenous-led art.

Located three kilometres south of Sydney’s CBD, the station serves both as a key transport interchange and a new civic space for the surrounding neighbourhood. A landscaped plaza defines the station’s public interface, improving connections between street level, station entrances and bus routes, while providing accessible routes and integrated cycle facilities.

The design emphasises clarity and intuitive passenger movement. Open sightlines, carefully positioned lifts and escalators, and a restrained material palette support easy navigation, while a central skylight and light panels draw daylight deep into the station environment.

Three permanent artworks by Indigenous artist Nicole Monks are embedded within the architecture and were developed with local community participation. Acting as both cultural markers and wayfinding elements, the works reinforce the station’s identity and acknowledge the area’s Aboriginal heritage.

The WAN Awards jury commented:

“A highly resolved and conceived project.”

“A great variety of spatial experience within a coherent palette of colours, textures, materials and lighting features.”

“A high-quality project with a strong integration of art, while remaining very clear in terms of navigation and restrained in its design.”

Belfast Grand Central Station has been shortlisted for the Irish Building & Architect of the Year 2026, recognising the project’s significance as both critical infrastructure and a new civic gateway for the city.

Designed by John McAslan + Partners with Arup as Multi-Disciplinary Engineer for Translink, and delivered by RPP Architects as Contractor Architect, the £340 million development is the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland.

With capacity for 20 million passenger journeys annually, the station anchors the transformative Weavers Cross regeneration and plays a central role in strengthening regional connectivity, including the Belfast–Dublin corridor. The project represents a major investment in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, supporting sustainable growth and long-term urban renewal.

Its expressive sawtooth roof – inspired by Belfast’s industrial linen heritage – combines architectural clarity with engineering innovation. Developed through close collaboration between architecture and engineering teams, the design brings generous daylight deep into the concourse while integrating low-carbon strategies, including photovoltaic panels and passive ventilation. The result is a calm, intuitive and energy-efficient environment centred around a light-filled public heart.

The adjoining Saltwater Square further reinforces the station’s civic role, creating the city’s largest new public space in over a century and establishing a welcoming setting at the heart of the future Weavers Cross neighbourhood.

This shortlisting reflects the strength of collaboration across architecture, engineering and delivery teams in creating inclusive, sustainable and city-shaping infrastructure.

John McAslan + Partners (JMP) is delighted to announce that Sloane Street, London has been shortlisted for the 2026 London Awards by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

This recognition celebrates the landscape-led transformation of one of the world’s most prestigious retail streets into a greener, more inclusive and future-ready public realm.

Extending one kilometre between Knightsbridge and Sloane Square within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Sloane Street represents the most significant renewal of the street in nearly 250 years. The masterplan rebalances space by narrowing the carriageway and widening pavements by over 20%, prioritising pedestrians and creating generous, accessible footways that support café culture, events and everyday civic life.

Nature is embedded throughout the design, with 105 climate-resilient trees and extensive planting delivering a 175% Biodiversity Net Gain. Inspired by the horticultural character of nearby Cadogan Place Gardens, the scheme enhances biodiversity, improves air quality and supports urban cooling, while robust materials and high-efficiency lighting ensure long-term resilience.

Funded and stewarded by Cadogan Estate, the project demonstrates how landscape-driven urban design can balance heritage, commerce and environmental responsibility – future-proofing an iconic London street for generations to come.

On Tuesday 20 January, John McAslan + Partners hosted an evening at our London studio gallery alongside SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society, to present an alternative vision for the future of London Liverpool Street Station.

The event brought together architects, engineers, heritage specialists, planners, campaigners and members of the public, united by a shared belief: Liverpool Street can be modernised without destroying what makes it extraordinary.

Liverpool Street is Britain’s busiest station and urgently needs investment. We fully support the need for improved accessibility, capacity and passenger experience. What we challenge is the idea that this can only be achieved through the large-scale demolition of a listed Victorian landmark, years of disruption, and a scheme that Network Rail’s own advisors have described as not technically viable.

There is another way

Our alternative proposal demonstrates that Liverpool Street can be upgraded more quickly, more sustainably and at around half the cost of the currently submitted £1.2bn scheme – while safeguarding the historic station beneath.

The McAslan vision:

Meets Network Rail’s requirements for capacity, accessibility and future passenger growth, including new lifts, escalators, waiting areas, accessible toilets and a cycle hub

Declutters the concourse to improve passenger flow and future-proof the station

Retains the listed concourse and roof, protecting the station’s cathedral-like, light-filled character

Delivers over 52,000 sqm of high-quality office space, contributing to the City Plan 2040 target for economic growth

Introduces a new public walkway above the Victorian train sheds and an integrated biodiversity strategy devised with Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project

Takes a low-carbon, reuse-first approach, minimising whole-life carbon emissions

Avoids years of upheaval for passengers by eliminating the need to demolish the roof or drive new structural columns through the concourse

Achieves all of this with almost no demolition – protecting heritage while delivering genuine renewal

As recent coverage in The Telegraph has highlighted, this debate is not about stopping development. It is about choosing the right development. Liverpool Street has always evolved – but it has done so by building on its fabric, not erasing it.

A moment that matters

The City of London planning committee is expected to consider the current application in February. We have formally asked that this decision be deferred, to allow officers and councillors the time needed to properly examine the merits of the alternative proposal.

This is a critical moment.

Once demolished, historic fabric cannot be replaced. Once years of disruption begin, they cannot be undone. Nothing about this outcome is inevitable – there is still a choice.

We believe the City of London deserves a solution that is ambitious, viable, sustainable and rooted in respect for one of its great civic spaces.

If you care about Liverpool Street – as a passenger, a Londoner, a designer, a business, or a custodian of the city’s heritage – now is the time to raise your voice.

Engage with the consultation. Share your views. Ask for better.

Click here: Griff Rhys Jones issues rallying cry to save Liverpool Street Station - SAVE Britain’s Heritage

Because Liverpool Street can – and should – be more than this.

Andy Harris, Director at John McAslan + Partners and lead of the practice’s Landscape and Urban Design Studio, has been interviewed for The Roots and All Podcast, hosted by Sarah Wilson, to discuss the transformation of London’s Sloane Street.

In conversation with fellow landscape architect Andy Sturgeon, Andy reflects on the ambition behind reimagining this 1km stretch of central London as a greener, calmer and more people-centred boulevard. Inspired by the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden, the project set out to move Sloane Street away from its former identity as a traffic-dominated thoroughfare, towards a place that encourages wellbeing, biodiversity and social life.

The discussion explores how landscape can act as environmental infrastructure – knitting together retail and residential uses, softening the public realm, and encouraging people not simply to pass through, but to linger. Topics range from working around underground constraints and reducing traffic dominance, to achieving biodiversity uplift and planning for long-term stewardship.

The episode offers a compelling companion to last year’s Roots and All discussion on New York’s High Line, highlighting how thoughtful urban greening can reshape experience, behaviour and connection in the heart of the city.

Listen to the episode: Retail Meets Urban Nature

https://rootsandall.co.uk/podcast/retail-meets-urban-nature

We are delighted to see the Sydney Metro City Stations project recognised with the 2025 Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design at the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Awards.

John McAslan + Partners is proud to have played a significant role in this transformative city-shaping project, contributing to two of the eight stations – Sydney Central Station and Waterloo Station – alongside an extraordinary group of collaborators.

Our work at Central Station has redefined the experience of one of Australia’s most important transport interchanges, reconnecting passengers with the heritage of the station while creating a spacious, light-filled concourse that celebrates movement, accessibility, and civic identity. At Waterloo Station, we have helped deliver a new piece of critical infrastructure that anchors future community growth and urban renewal, designed to serve the people of Sydney for generations to come.

“The Sydney Metro City Stations project is a strategic, financial and urban design triumph... The six new stations and two enhanced stations unlock billions of dollars of economic opportunity in their creation of people-friendly precincts, underpinned by public transportation, value capture and public–private development of a scale never witnessed in Australia.”

“This is a collaboration of intricate detail that has delivered outstanding results from an engineering perspective, but the stations are also exceptional in that each has its own urban character and spatial quality... The integration of Indigenous Knowledges and public art is highly successful, telling stories of Country and imagining other worlds as people embark on their journey.”

AIA National Awards Jury 2025

Delivered on Cammeraygal and Gadigal Country, the Sydney Metro City Stations project represents one of the most complex and ambitious pieces of infrastructure in Australia’s history. The award acknowledges the power of multidisciplinary collaboration – between architects, engineers, artists, contractors, and clients – to produce enduring, people-centred urban outcomes.

John McAslan + Partners congratulates Sydney Metro and all design and delivery partners on this remarkable achievement. It is a privilege to contribute to a project that so powerfully enhances the life and connectivity of Sydney.

We are pleased to share that John McAslan, Executive Chairman and Founder of John McAslan + Partners, will be speaking at The Radical Urban Retrofit: Fixing Europe’s Building Crisis – a live webinar hosted by Economist Impact and supported by JLL – on Monday, 28 October.

As cities across Europe grapple with the mounting issue of building obsolescence, this timely event brings together key voices in policy, investment, and urban planning to explore how we can unlock retrofit strategies that deliver both carbon and commercial value.

John McAslan will join the panel to share his insights on the urgent need for transformative retrofit approaches, drawing from decades of architectural experience in adaptive reuse, heritage-led regeneration, and sustainable urban design.

We are delighted to share that Sydney Central Station, designed by John McAslan + Partners in collaboration with Woods Bagot, has been awarded a Merit Award for Architecture in the prestigious 2025 AIA International Design Awards.

The project – a transformative upgrade to one of Australia’s busiest transport interchanges – exemplifies the power of collaborative design to enhance the urban experience through architecture that is bold, civic, and highly functional.

This recognition by the American Institute of Architects International Region celebrates architectural excellence on a global stage. The jury praised the project for its innovative approach to public infrastructure and the way it thoughtfully reimagines connectivity and user experience in a complex, high-traffic environment.

The Sydney Metro Central Station Upgrade involved significant heritage integration, enhanced passenger flows, and the creation of new civic spaces within a modern, light-filled concourse. The collaboration between Woods Bagot and John McAslan + Partners brought together deep expertise in transport architecture, urban design, and placemaking to deliver a project that will serve Sydney for generations to come.

Collectively, these awards recognise outstanding architecture which can inspire our fellow practitioners, governments, and the public around the world.

We extend our sincere thanks to the 2025 AIA International Design Awards jury for this honour, and offer our congratulations to all the winning teams whose projects continue to raise the standard for architecture worldwide.

Project: Sydney Metro Central Station Upgrade

Award: Merit Award for Architecture

Architects: Woods Bagot in collaboration with John McAslan + Partners

Location: Sydney, Australia

 image © Peter Bennetts