Tate Britain Clore Garden approved to transform Millbank frontage

Tate Britain will remake its Millbank frontage as a public garden, replacing hard paving with seasonal planting, water and places to sit. The scheme adds a small “garden classroom” so school groups can learn outdoors before stepping inside the galleries.

Architects Feilden Fowles call it a comprehensive rethink of the approach to the building, designed to soften the arrival and make space feel shared. Landscape designer Tom Stuart-Smith said the plan “connects people with nature’s cycles”, with planting that changes through the year.

The south side will draw on Mediterranean species, while the north will echo East Asian woodland, with a pond, an events spot and more café seating. The aim is to create a route that slows visitors down and invites them to stay.

Maria Balshaw, Tate Britain’s director, told councillors the change matters as much as any new display.

“With this special garden space, we can extend a different kind of welcome,”

she said. “It will help those who find the steps intimidating and signal that Tate Britain is a place where everyone belongs.”

Westminster’s planning committee approved the project and asked the gallery to involve local residents during the build. A separate licensing review is due later this month.

The Tate Britain garden will be delivered in phases, beginning with landscaping and the classroom. Tate says the Tate Britain garden will also host talks and small displays, linking the collection to the riverfront. Further detail is set out on Tate’s project page.

For regular visitors, the promise is simple: a softer threshold, more shade in summer and a place to pause beside the river. If it works, the Tate Britain garden becomes part of the visit, not just the way in.

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[Image Credit | Tom Stuart-Smith Studio/WCC]

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