Tate Britain to transform entrance with new gardens and classroom

"The proposal, currently before Westminster City Council, promises to transform the gallery's Millbank frontage by replacing the existing open spaces with a large and more biodiverse public garden. There are plans to install a Mediterranean inspired' garden to the south as well as a new natural pond. The north section will consist of a green space which takes cues from East Asian woodland planting, and includes a water feature, flexible event space and an expanded area for external cafe seating, according to the planning application."

"The proposal also includes the construction of a new Garden Classroom' where kids can receive creative, hands-on learning. The timber-framed pavilion, clad in stone and with a lantern roof, which would be placed between the Tate Lodge and Clore Gallery, would act as a new learning space for schools, community groups and volunteers. Under the plans, the Grade II listed curved railings along the Millbank entrance will be removed while the existing railings and gate will be moved forward."

The proposal would transform the gallery's Millbank frontage by replacing existing open spaces with a large, biodiverse public garden. A Mediterranean-inspired garden and natural pond would be created to the south, while the north will feature East Asian woodland-inspired planting, a water feature, flexible event space and expanded external cafe seating. Architects Feilden Fowles aim to soften the gallery's external appearance. A timber-framed, stone-clad Garden Classroom with a lantern roof will sit between Tate Lodge and Clore Gallery for schools, community groups and volunteers. The scheme removes some railings, reduces the lay-by, moves the taxi rank, adds paths, seating, artworks, lighting and proposes 60 new trees while retaining mature specimens.

Read at www.standard.co.uk