Natalia Roussou

Hi there,

The UK Government has just launched an open search for a team to create a design masterplan in St James' Park to honour the late Queen, and it's prompted me to get in touch with you to recommend a guest for the podcast.

Natalia Roussou, landscape lead at HTA Design, would be great to speak on the Open City podcast about 'parks for the future', how recent developments in London mean the city is driving the industry towards biodiverse, climate-resilient and accessible parks that are spaces for all. HTA is currently working on Queen Elizabeth's memorial garden at Regent's Park and has worked with partners like the London Wildlife Trust on a project with the Royal Borough of Greenwich that was recognised with the 'Sir David Attenborough Award for Enhancing Biodiversity.'

The practice's latest completed project is Eden Dock in Canary Wharf – setting a new global benchmark for repurposing historic docklands in biodiverse green spaces where people and nature can thrive. Today, the floating dock welcomes visitors right to the water’s edge across generous amphitheatre steps and planted wild habitat pontoons. With space for wild swimming, located within a spectacular setting, the project is bringing nature back to the city.

Natalia is a great speaker and has appeared on BBC News recently. Let me know what you think.

Best,
Zac