Business Improvement District (BID) Better Bankside is thrilled to announce its success at the 2024 London In Bloom awards, having secured Gold in the Urban Community category for its transformation of Keppel Row Garden and Silver in the BID category for its overall approach to managing Bankside’s urban landscape. The two awards recognise Better Bankside’s continuous efforts to enhance its green spaces in the Bankside area, providing residents, workers, and visitors with sustainable and biodiverse environments.
The annual London In Bloom awards celebrate the London communities, villages, towns, boroughs and businesses (via Business Improvement Districts) dedicated to making London a greener city and improve the quality of its surroundings. Better Bankside’s achievements in both the Urban Community and BID categories reflects the BID’s innovative approach to transforming grey spaces into vibrant green areas that are both climate-resilient and aesthetically pleasing.
Urban Community award – GOLD
London in Bloom judges said; “The planting at Keppel Row is soft, but still bold and vibrant in its contrasting shades of green, with the welcome use of Trachelospermum jasminoides, a scent perfect for an area which smokers frequent. Dan Lea the Better Bankside Urban Gardener was appointed following his successful completion of a FUTURE gardeners course (run by BOST – Bankside Open Spaces Trust, one of Better Bankside’s charity partners.) The Keppel Row SUDS scheme was particularly interesting’
BID award – SILVER GILT
London in Bloom judges said; “This is the first year the Better Bankside BID has entered London in Bloom in its own right, the BID has operated since 2005 and is one of the oldest BIDs in the UK. Southwark council is the landowner but Better Bankside and BOST, Bankside Open Spaces Trust, have been contracted to maintain several green spaces.
“Notable points to mention include:
– The area was remarkably litter-free considering it’s an urban environment with a massive footfall.
– Better Bankside are looking at rainwater harvesting and are proactively looking for suitable buildings for this.
– No chemicals or pesticides are used throughout the borough, and it is peat-free.
“The spaces we visited included the Borough Market Green Wall, Hope Exchange, Redcross Way street planters, Keppel Row, Wardens Grove and the Low line – these all provide a very diverse set off offerings, each with their own particular sets of challenges. Situated on the south side of the River Thames opposite the City of London, the small area of Bankside is an eclectic mix of medieval streets with history at every turn, a vibrant business improvement district, and an impressive collection of infrastructure projects and major investment, together with parks and green open spaces.
“As a BID, Better Bankside is a great example of what can be done and the cohesion of the area is testament to this.”
A Decade of Green Transformation in Bankside
Better Bankside’s ongoing green initiatives have seen significant success this year, with the BID reaching its highest score ever in the Green Flag Awards for the Bankside Urban Forest and the Low Line. Spearheaded by Urban Gardener Dan Lea, these projects have introduced more green cover and biodiversity throughout Bankside.
The Bankside Urban Forest, launched in 2007, has been a standout project. Employing a holistic approach, the project incorporated sustainable planting schemes and upcycling. The area now boasts over 10,000m² of green public space, and more than 250 newly planted trees, benefiting both people and wildlife as a result. In addition, Better Bankside’s the Low Line, a partnership project that has revitalised the space under Bankside’s historic railway arches, incorporated extensive greening elements.
Investment in the Future of Bankside’s Green Spaces
Last month, the BID launched its manifesto for another five years of investment in the Bankside area. Investment from 2025-30 will be delivered to the value of £14 million and includes a commitment to further increasing Bankside’s biodiversity and transforming grey to green. By designing better and applying the latest thinking, Better Bankside’s ambitions for its green spaces mean they will be climate-resilient and enjoyable for all. To find out more about Better Bankside’s ballot, please visit: Say Yes to Better – Better Bankside
Nicole Gordon, CEO of Better Bankside, commented on the win; “Our award wins at London In Bloom are an honour, and testament to our team’s passion for greening Bankside, one of London’s most vibrant areas. We believe that creating accessible green spaces in urban environments is crucial for the well-being of both people and the planet. Our work is far from over, and we are committed to continuing to invest in Bankside’s future as a sustainable and thriving neighbourhood.”
