New public garden and viewing tower for Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park in central London is about to get a viewing tower, as approval has been granted to create a new garden and reuse an old water tower for the public.
The water tower stands in a disused plot of land that was the Royal Park’s former nursery but has been disused since 2018 when a replacement opened in Hyde Park, leaving behind empty greenhouses and warehouses.
After showing off the plans last year, planning approval has now been granted for the Royal Parks to start conversion work.
The garden, designed by HTA Design LLP and their team including Horticulturalist Dr Noel Kingsbury and Tate + Co architects, will complement nearby historic gardens within the park, drawing inspiration from their design principles while introducing innovative sustainability practices.
Key features of the garden will include a circular pond enhancing wildlife habitats, a central promenade with an accessible platform over the pond, and a vibrant flower garden showcasing species significant to the late Queen.
The two-acre garden is set to open in 2026, to mark what would have been the late Queen’s centenary year.
Andrew Scattergood, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said: “The approval of planning permission marks an exciting step forward in the creation of the new garden, which is designed to be a tranquil space for reflection, accessible to all. It provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This site will add two acres of biodiverse parkland for everyone to enjoy and explore”.
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