The Sky Garden: An Oasis in the Sky
The Sky Garden is an iconic landmark in London, UK, situated on the 40th floor of the “Walkie Talkie” building. It is a public garden and an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city. The Sky Garden is undoubtedly a marvel of modern architecture, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The garden is home to over 200 species of plants, including ferns, succulents, and exotic flowers. The plants are arranged in a terraced garden, and visitors can walk around and enjoy the scenery. The Sky Garden is an oasis in the sky, a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.
A Brief History of the Sky Garden
The Walkie Talkie building, officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street, was designed by architect Rafael Vinoly and opened in 2014. The Sky Garden was part of the original design and was intended to be a public space for visitors to enjoy the panoramic views of London.
However, the garden has been the subject of controversy since its opening. The admission fee and the reservation system have been criticized, with some arguing that the garden is not truly a public space. This has led to the question of who owns the Sky Garden.
The Ownership of the Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is owned by Land Securities, a British commercial property company. The company built the Walkie Talkie building and owns the lease on the property. However, the Sky Garden is managed by Rhubarb, a catering company that provides food and drinks to visitors.
The admission fee to the Sky Garden has been a point of contention since it opened. Initially, the garden was free to visit, but after a few months, Land Securities introduced a reservation system and began charging an entry fee. The fee was initially set at £25 per person, but it has since been reduced to £10.
The Controversy Surrounding the Sky Garden
The introduction of the admission fee and the reservation system sparked controversy, with some arguing that the Sky Garden is not truly a public space. Critics argue that the garden is inaccessible to many visitors due to the high cost of admission and the limited number of reservations available.
Furthermore, some argue that the management of the Sky Garden by Rhubarb is a conflict of interest. Rhubarb is a for-profit company that benefits financially from the operation of the garden. Critics argue that the management of the garden should be the responsibility of a non-profit organization or the local government.
Despite the criticism, the Sky Garden remains a popular tourist destination and a fascinating example of modern architecture. The garden continues to attract visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the breathtaking views of London and escape the chaos of the city.
The Future of the Sky Garden
The future of the Sky Garden remains uncertain. Land Securities’ lease on the property expires in 2044, and the company has not yet announced any plans to renew it. The fate of the garden will ultimately depend on the decisions made by Land Securities and the local government.
However, there is hope that the Sky Garden will continue to be a public space for years to come. The garden has become an important landmark in London, and its role as a public space has been widely recognized. The future of the Sky Garden may be uncertain, but its importance to the city of London is undeniable.
Conclusion
The Sky Garden is a beautiful and iconic landmark in London, UK. Despite the controversy surrounding its ownership and management, the garden remains a popular tourist destination and an important public space. The future of the Sky Garden may be uncertain, but its value as an oasis in the sky and a symbol of modern architecture is undeniable.