For several years the construction of a large Holocaust Memorial in a small, central London Thames-side park has been the subject of controversy. Not least, though the architect Sir David Adjaye’s design has been greatly criticised but because there has been a lack of transparency from the outset as to why Victoria Tower Gardens was chosen as a site when it did not appear on the original list of sites under consideration.
It appears that there have been changes to the original plans, filed eight years ago, but these latest alterations are difficult to view and, where they are actually accessible, difficult to understand. However, it remains that a design on this scale, coupled with an underground learning centre constructed beneath reclaimed land on the banks of the Thames needs to be fully and finally independently examined. Therefore a fresh Public Enquiry would be in everyone’s interest.
Up till now Victoria Tower Gardens has been open and unrestricted for all comers, and until the Government repealed the “London County Council (Improvements) Act 1900)” which assured the protection of the park as “a public garden in perpetuity”, workers, residents, and visitors have been able to enjoy its unique position on the banks of the River Thames for moments of quiet and a variety of occasions from children’s parties to exhibitions of all kinds.
The repeal of the 1900 Act, conceived in “perpetuity” for the benefit of the public, was wrong, and will lead to the exclusion of many for whom it was created. A fresh Public Enquiry should now be led by a judge rather than a politician to ensure that the evidence is examined and assessed independently.
Sources and Further information
London Historic Parks & Gardens Trust: Victoria Tower Gardens
‘The destruction of a valued open space’: Save Victoria Tower Gardens
London Gardens Trust: ‘Stop Government abusing planning rules to build on iconic public park’.
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Here below are some photographs of what stands to be lost if this over-sized development goes ahead… You can see more images in my article:
In Praise of Victoria Tower Gardens.
