The Artist's Garden, located on the roof terrace of Temple underground station, faces closure as its licence to occupy the site will not be renewed by Places for London, Transport for London’s property arm, on 1 October. The arts charity theColab, which runs the garden, has been informed they must clear the space.
Claire Mander, director and curator of theColab, established the garden in October 2021 with funding from donations and over £500,000 from Westminster council. It is described as the world’s first and only public sculpture garden devoted to the work of female artists. Since its opening, it has attracted 100,000 visitors annually, commissioned 18 major works, and collaborated with 24 artists.
A spokesperson for Places for London stated that the terrace and station roof may require essential repair and safety works, necessitating the space to be cleared for assessment. They also mentioned working with Westminster City Council and local stakeholders to explore alternative locations nearby for the garden and developing future plans for the terrace.
Mander disputes the stated reasons, suggesting that the repairs relate to commercial property below the terrace and that a large-scale overhaul of the roof is not mentioned in the scope of works. She believes the site is at risk of being handed over to a private developer for VIP events. TheColab has launched a campaign and petition to save the garden, with Mander stating they are prepared to take the matter to court.