A new temporary sculpture has been planned for the space outside Tate Modern.
A planning application has been submitted for a temporary bronze sculpture to be installed on the north landscape, on Sumner Street.
The work, proposed by The Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery, is set to cover an area of 52.77 sq. metres.
Though details about the sculpture have not been fully disclosed, it is known that it will be made of patinated bronze and will not involve the loss of garden land or change the current use of the site which serves as F1 art gallery space.
In anticipation of an audience, the proposed location of the sculpture, known as the External North Landscape, will not require any additional vehicle or cycle parking spaces as part of the development.
There will also be no alterations to pedestrian or vehicle access points from the public highway.
Looking at potential flooding implications, the site is within an area at risk of flooding, according to the Government’s Flood map for planning.
The applicants, however, do not predict an increased flood risk elsewhere as a result of the proposed sculpture.
Also, the proposal confirms that the project will not impact local biodiversity or geological conservation features.
The proposal outlines that no new water or gas connections will be required, and a fire suppression system is not forecast for inclusion in the plans.
The site already has some existing utilities in place, owing to its current use as an art gallery.
The sculpture is anticipated to have no impact on the number of employees at Tate Modern.
The proposal also confirms that no opening hours are relevant to this project, suggesting it will remain freely accessible to the public at all times.
While the sculpture will be a temporary addition, no information has been given on whether the public will be able to engage with the piece interactively.
The proposed development is currently under assessment by Southwark Council.
Details and updates about the proposal can be followed on the Southwark Council’s planning application website, where 13 documents related to the development, including the Planning Portal Reference: PP-14581468, have been made available.
The sculpture is expected to be installed in February 2026 and removed by February 2028.
The numerous planning considerations for this proposal highlight the complexities faced by urban developments which can impact the character of the city, have potential environmental implications, and influence public use of space.
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