Tate Britain has started developing its Clore Garden, a new urban green space for London set to open in 2027.
The Clore Garden is realised in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and designed by award-winning landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith.
Sadiq Khan, London's mayor, said the new garden will be a space where "people can reconnect with nature and wildlife will be able to thrive".
"Investment in green spaces like this is vital as we work to tackle the climate crisis and build a better, greener London for everyone," Khan added.
Blakedown Landscapes, the project’s main contractor, has started the process of initial site clearing works and excavation after planning permission was granted by Westminster Council.
As the year continues, works for a new wildlife pond and water feature at Tate Britain will begin, and reclaimed York stone paving from the site will be re-laid to create accessible winding pathways around curved flower beds.
Sculptures from Tate’s collection by modern and contemporary British artists, which will be announced later this year, will be installed shortly before the Clore Garden opens next year.
Planting will begin later this year and has been chosen by Stuart-Smith in consultation with the RHS. The garden will include a wide variety of plant species, from cherry blossoms in spring to evergreen magnolias in the autumn.
The centrepiece of the Clore Garden is a circular seating system made from recycled and crushed local materials such as cockle shells from the Thames Estuary, as well as a new classroom designed by Feilden Fowles.
"We are pleased to have received planning permission and to start works on this transformative new space for the gallery," said Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain.
The plans, he added, "promise to transform Millbank into an oasis of creativity and calm, offering an encounter with nature and art before visitors even step into the gallery".
Clare Matterson, RHS' director general, said: "The garden will not only serve the local community and gallery visitors but contribute to helping make the capital that bit greener."
Tate Britain will remain open throughout the construction of the Clore Garden, with all visitors to use the Atterbury Street entrance from early May 2026 until the work is completed.
Images courtesy of Tom Stuart-Smith Studio
