An initiative to open the gardens to the public for the first time since 1768 was spearheaded by Essential Edinburgh. The square was originally a pleasure garden, and this history is reflected in the retention of the majority of the green spaces.

The nature, complexity and length of the consultations made for a challenging design process. The owners and their representatives, who were based all over the world, had to formally agree first to the design proposals. The views of the various stakeholder bodies added further complexity: while some wanted to do nothing, others wanted to create something new and unique; some favoured the water feature and café, others did not. Innovation and lateral thinking were required to broker a design approach which satisfied the various views. Consultations and workshops were also held with national and local heritage bodies, the public, the City of Edinburgh Council, Essential Edinburgh, Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and the Lothians, at survey, analysis and design stages.

Before opening to the public St Andrew Square gardens comprised of a single path orientated along the east-west axis and the east and west entrance gates aligned on the Melville Monument. The scheme redesigned the whole of St Andrew Square, not just the gardens, and was intended to provide a direct and comfortable pedestrian route as well as a place for relaxation. The water feature has proved popular and the centre-piece Melville Monument continues to be a celebrated feature.

The Square has been designed as part of a programme to rejuvenate some of Edinburgh’s most high profile and historic spaces. The project contributes towards the clients’ efforts to ensure that Edinburgh remains commercially vibrant, and competitive with other European capitals. The private gardens are open to the public on a long term lease arrangement with the owners of the properties surrounding the square, and maintenance is funded by revenue from the café.