The Richard Rogers Partnership today launched its vision for the Tate Modern district. Rogers’ masterplan forms part of Southwark council’s regeneration strategy for the whole borough.
Speaking on the anniversary of the Tate Modern’s launch, Lord Rogers spoke of his proposals for the Bankside Triangle, an area which spans the Tate Modern and Elephant and Castle. The Partnership’s Bankside Urban Study, published today, “is the story of an industrial area becoming the gateway to London,” Rogers said.
Rogers said that the essence of the proposals is to create a people’s space extending from new development at Elephant and Castle to a new Bankside Square surrounding the Tate Modern – “a place that people want to go to, not a place that people run away from.”
His plan, commissioned by the Tate, was given a warm welcome by Southwark council leader Stephanie Elsy and culture minister Chris Smith. Elsy said: “It’s an opportunity to invest in what is still one of the most deprived areas of London. We’re very excited that the Tate wants to invest further. We’re committed to working with the Tate on this.”
Chris Smith commented: “By having major cultural regeneration you assist a wider process of economic regeneration.”
The creation of the proposed Bankside Square around the Tate Modern would require the consent of the owners of the surrounding properties and significant redevelopment of buildings owned by Land Securities (LandSec), London School of Economics and Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA).
Last year LandSec approached RSA about a joint venture to revitalise the area. RSA’s Bankside portfolio makes the company a key player in any future regeneration projects.
EGi News 11/05/01
