Jubilee Gardens: West 8 selected by public for ‘world class’ park

The four-way contest saw West 8 selected by both the community of SE1 and the Jubilee Gardens Steering Group ahead of EDAW, Gross Max and Thomas Heatherwick.

The Jubilee Gardens Steering Group, which is leading the redevelopment and represents local business, community and statutory authority interests, envisages creating a garden which is as soft and green as is sustainable. Their choice of design team has been echoed by the majority of responses from over 279 members of the public who took part in a range of consultation activities in May to assess the concepts of four shortlisted design teams.

During the consultations the local community was given the opportunity to meet each of the shortlisted design teams face to face and to evaluate their concepts. Participants then scored each of the teams against a range of criteria, considering how well they had met the design brief and their skills at interacting with the community. In the opinion of local people, West 8 excelled across the board, with particular strengths at incorporating trees, seating and grass areas into the design. West 8 was also the team the community regarded as the most appealing to them.

West 8's design concept focuses heavily on developing an organic, lush and green park, with softly undulating hills. Trees and flowers will bloom throughout the year to provide a 'botanical ambience' for one of London's most important green spaces.

The sophisticated landscaping creates paths which are fluid and inviting, prime lookout points which frame dramatic, panoramic views of the Thames, the London skyline and the South Bank, and intimate spaces where people can find their own space to relax and enjoy the micro-climate. At night, a theatrical spectacle of light will subtly animate and play with the new weaving landscape.

"The standard of entries exceeded our expectations but overall West 8 successfully captured the imagination of the judging panel whilst performing very well on key technical, financial and project management criteria," says Ted Inman CEO of the South Bank Employers' Group and Chair of the Jubilee Gardens Steering Group. "The results of the community consultation were also central to our decision-making and demonstrate that West 8 is the all-round favourite.

"West 8 has cleverly balanced the numerous demands on this site by conceiving a garden which is not only a visual landmark worthy of its position in central London but also a space which local residents and employees will enjoy."

"Jubilee Gardens is one of the most promising sites in the heart of London – an open site on the Thames surrounded by world- class cultural facilities, linked to the South Bank, Waterloo and the City," remarked Adriaan Geuze, partner of West 8. "We are delighted to be selected for such a vital and prestigious project.

"The scheme has been close to our hearts for some time now and we welcome the opportunity to realise the scheme alongside a strong and motivated design team. This will be a milestone in West 8's evolution, offering the chance to give physical form to our vision for a public space promoting intimacy, playfulness and exploration. We thank the people of Lambeth and the Steering Group for their support and look forward to contributing to this vibrant and growing neighbourhood of London."

It is anticipated that a final design will be submitted to planning at the end of the year, following further in-depth consultation with local residents, employees and businesses. The various consultation activities will be promoted throughout the area. Residents are also encouraged to register for email updates in order to receive invites to events and project news.