Building work has progressed apace over the winter of 2015-16 and this may be the last chance for a look at the new accommodation block from across the square before the leaves come out on the large plane trees. Work to renovate the gardens is also afoot and they will benefit greatly from their refresh.
The only statue in the gardens is of John Cartwright (1740-1824) who wrote The English Constitution, in which he outlined his ideas on universal suffrage. He believed in government by the people and legal equality which he considered could only be achieved by secret ballot and equal electoral districts. Cartwright Gardens, originally Burton Crescent after the builder, were named after him.
Bloomsbury Squares & Gardens 
The renovation of the Cartwright Gardens was and still is a disaster. The contractor was supposed to plant 2300 new plants but never got more than half in the ground so most died in their pots not to be replaced.
Lack of water on site means that the plants remaining are in drought distress or dying unless rained on.
Its a shame that a park with so much potential in the heart of London is allowed to decay and rot.
London University, who is the caretaker, should be brought to task. Interested parties should contact them.
ABSG adds: UPP Group in partnership with The University of London developed and operate Garden Halls. Please see their comment below.
‘ Following the practical completion and opening of the Gardens, a number of outstanding actions were identified to fully complete the planting. We have confirmed these actions with the Cartwright Gardens Liaison Group and committed to completing them in the next planting session later in the year (2018).’