Tate Britain is set to introduce new green spaces inspired by Mediterranean and East Asian designs, as well as a “garden classroom” aimed at children.
This initiative, pending approval from Westminster City Council, aims to revamp the gallery’s Millbank entrance by transforming the current open areas into an expansive, biodiverse public garden.
The architectural firm Feilden Fowles, engaged by the gallery, described the designs as a thorough reimagining that emphasizes “softening” the exterior of the gallery.
Support for the proposal comes from various organizations, including Westminster City Council, Historic England, and Transport for London.
Plans include a Mediterranean-themed garden located to the south, along with a natural pond, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
In the northern section, a green area inspired by East Asian woodland will feature a water element, a dedicated event space, and an extended outdoor café seating area, as detailed in the planning documentation.
Additionally, the project incorporates a “garden classroom,” which will be housed in a timber-framed pavilion with stone cladding to facilitate interactive learning.
This educational facility is planned to be situated between Tate Lodge and the Clore Gallery, serving as a new resource for schools, community groups, and volunteers.
The proposal also includes the removal of the Grade II listed curved railings at the Millbank entrance, while the existing railings and gate will be repositioned to create a more cohesive look for both sides of the planned gardens.
A smaller lay-by in front of the gallery will replace the existing one, and the taxi rank will be relocated to Atterbury Street.
While the plans have general backing, the Victorian Society has raised concerns, stating that the alterations could cause “unacceptable harm” to the building’s setting.
Historic Buildings and Places also indicated that planting a walnut tree at the front could negatively impact “the gallery building’s setting.”
Nonetheless, council officials argue that the proposed changes would provide significant public advantages without inflicting excessive damage to the site.
As the oldest of the four Tate galleries, Tate Britain attracts about one million visitors annually, including over 200,000 schoolchildren, according to the application.
The Westminster City’s Licensing Committee is scheduled to evaluate the application on September 30.
