New town centre installation and urban garden opens to the public

Residents and shoppers visiting Sutton town centre can now see the final design for ‘Moon Bloom’ - a temporary installation by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective. 

The ‘Moon Bloom’ is a joint project by the London Festival of Architecture and Sutton Council. It is supported by Successful Sutton, the town centre’s Business Improvement District. Its design is based on ideas from visitors and residents in the borough and is located opposite Waterstones in Trinity Square.

It features a moon gate - a traditional architectural element that serves as a circular gateway in Eastern gardens - inviting visitors to walk through and explore an urban garden. The garden reflects the stories, traditions and rich culture of Sutton's many different communities. 

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations to activate the Moon Bloom on Saturday 21 September were a huge success, with over 2,000 visitors enjoying activities at Sutton Central Library and Throwley Yard Cinema. These included delicious food markets, performances by the Lion Rock Kids Children's Choir, a Chinese orchestra, pop dancers and a mooncake-making workshop.

Visitors are still welcome to experience the ‘Moon Bloom’ at Trinity Square, celebrating the borough’s rich diversity. After its time in Trinity Square, the installation will be relocated to a permanent home in Sutton. 

Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Business and Economy Committee said: 
“I was overjoyed to see the incredible Moon Gate during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.

“Sutton is an increasingly diverse borough, and I’m glad the Council and our partners are
supporting all of our communities to express themselves through the arts and culture. 

“The Town Centre was abuzz all day as even more people than usual took an interest in what’s going on in Trinity Square, the Library and other venues throughout the Town Centre.”

Razia Sattar, Head of Partnerships, Impact and Equalities at Community Action Sutton said:
“We are delighted to have supported the Mid-Autumn Festival here in Sutton. It is fantastic the community led the campaign for a Moon Gate and Garden on the high street, which has helped us all celebrate and appreciate the beauty of the full moon with the local community.”

Rosa Rogina, Director, London Festival of Architecture, said: 
“Moon Bloom is a brilliant showcase of the passion and dedication of local groups.

“This project is a true collaboration, demonstrating how great design can beautifully honour the traditions of different communities while sparking meaningful conversations about the future of their area. 

“It’s a vivid celebration of place and people, weaving together history, culture, and forward-thinking ideas in a way that strengthens community ties and reimagines the neighbourhood’s identity for future generations.”