Latest News - Jubilee Park Belvedere Road, London Surrey England

Green shoots for Jubilee gardens as £1.5 million funding from Mayor announced.

Plans for transforming Jubilee Gardens in South Bank into a world-class park have been given a boost with the Mayor's announcement of £1.5 million of Transport of London funding to Lambeth Council for Jubilee Gardens. Together with the monies already committed through local landowners' section 106 agreements, this means around three quarters of the funding required for the £5.5 million scheme is now in place. The Jubilee Gardens Steering Group now aims to complete the park in time for the Queens diamon jubilee and the London 2012.

Local landowners and businesses, community groups and the statutory authorities have been working together for a number of years with the aim of transforming the flat, featureless patch of grass into a garden worthy of its location next to the London Eye and opposite the Houses of Parliment. Landscape architects, West 8 were appointed following an international design competition and in-depth community consulation. An earlier proposal was origionally granted planning permission in May 2006. The Steering Group is now launching a variation of the scheme to create a lush and green park, flower beds of the highest quality and many new trees. The revised plans will be submitted for planning approval in summer 2010.

Ted Inman, Chief Executive of South Bank Employer's Group, "On behalf of the Jubilee Gardens Steering Group, I wish to thank the Mayor and Transport for London for the funding which recognizes the need for the Jubilee Gardens to be made worthy of its prime location and become a new green landmark for the capital. It will be intensively used by local residents and employees and by millions of visitors. We are determind to deliver this exciting project in time for the Queens diamond jubilee and the London 2012.

Alan Bishop, Chief Executive of Southbank Centre, siad "We are delighted in the Mayor's vote of confidence. This will be a world-class park and focal point for 2012. Just as important is the partnership between the landowners and the local community that will maintain the park to the high standard befitting the culture centre of London".

Source: www.jubileegardens.org.uk