Tate Britain has announced works have started on the gallery’s Clore Garden in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Clore Duffield Foundation with support from The Julia Rausing Trust.

A new green space for London, the garden is designed by landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith and built by Blakedown Landscapes.

Year four pupils from Millbank Gardens Primary Academy have been working with artist Mónica Rivas Velásquez to design a shared garden inspired by the plants and nature they encounter in their own lives, families and cultures.

Blakedown has begun the initial clearing process and excavation after planning permission was granted by Westminster.

Clare Matterson CBE, RHS director general comments:

“We’re excited to be embarking on a new, long term partnership with our neighbours Tate Britain to bring many thousands of new plants into the heart of London. The garden will not only serve the local community and gallery visitors but contribute to helping make the capital that bit greener.”   

Works for a new wildlife pond and water feature at Tate Britain will also begin, using reclaimed York stone paving from the site.

Sculptures from Tate’s collection will be announced later in the year, set to be installed shortly before the garden opens next year.

Visitors to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will have the opportunity to see Tom Stuart-Smith’s show garden which is based off his designs for Tate Britain.