The small park was created as part of the redevelopment of a Southbank building into flats in the 1990s. But, despite being in such a prominent location, it is usually deserted
London has no shortage of beautiful parks and green spaces, perfect for a walk or for somewhere to take a bit of time out on your lunch break. But there’s one park which is passed by thousands of people every day which is usually completely deserted.
The small park is situated just behind the Southbank Centre and was created as part of the redevelopment of the former Downstream Building of the Shell Centre into flats, known as the Whitehouse Apartments, in the 1990s. But, despite being in plain sight and in such a prominent location, it is usually deserted.
London blogger Ian Mansfield highlighted the situation on X, formerly Twitter, where he posted images of the small gate and narrow entry into the park, with the message: “Exercising my right to enter the Whitehouse Garden behind the Southbank which the owners would rather you didn’t, but have to allow it as a planning condition.”
Among the images was a picture of a plaque at the gate, which reads: “Private access is permitted to part of the garden by members of the public daily between dawn and dusk.
“The owners have the right to exclude members of the public in the event of unreasonable or unruly behaviour or a problem with security. This is pursuant to an agreement with Lambeth Council under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.”
Section 106 is a clause included in larger planning applications requiring a developer to either provide specific amenities such as parks or road improvements, or a sum of money to be used in the area. Developers behind larger schemes can even be required to build facilities such as schools and GP surgeries.
Explained the situation on his blog IanVisits, Ian said: “It’s not that the owners go to a lot of effort to make it welcoming, with no seating, lots of locked gates and warning notices that it’s private.”
He added: “I say it’s open to the public, I’ve never seen anyone using it, and once I became aware that it’s supposed to be open to the public, checked a few times only to see the gates locked each time.”
Pictures on Ian’s website show a large paved area, with a number of large, circular sections covered with grass, and one which has what appears to be a fountain, which wasn’t functioning when he visited. He added the sole accessible gate is on the north side of the park.
People on X were fascinated by the information. One said: “This is a really interesting and useful post, thank you.”
Another replied: “Is it always locked and you have to ask permission or something? Never seen that round there will deffo have to check it out next time!”
Responding to a version of the same post on Ian’s Instagram account, someone else said: “It is not especially beautiful, but important that we exercise our right to visit.” Another said: “Wow they really try hard to put you off!!”
And a different user wrote: “I often wonder what the point is of that garden. It’s unattractive, and anyway the fences make it impossible to see in. It’s such a wasted space.”
And, writing on Facebook, another said: “I used to live there and on my first day I looked out at the garden and saw a naked man jumping around in the fountain. Great place.”
