A small green space near London Bridge was recently awarded the Society of Garden Designers People’s Choice Award. Greenwood Theatre Garden has received recognition by local competitions in the past, but this is the first national award that the garden has received.

“Joe Swift’s linear Pocket Park design alongside Zandra Rhodes’ bold colour scheme has created an urban oasis on Weston Street,” said Team London Bridge.

Greenwood Theatre Garden was designed by well known garden designer Joe Swift alongside English fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.

Joe Swift has been known for his landscape gardening since 1983 and is well known for his simple rectangular design. Swift has designed many gardens on TV and has worked on several other award winning garden projects.

Zandra Rhodes has been considered a master in fashion and textile design. She is best known for her bold colour scheme and patterns.

The Greenwood Theatre was originally built in 1975 to be used by King’s College London for student productions. “The old 70’s facade has seemed starkly at odds with the thriving creative community that now surrounds it,” said Henry Johnstone, Team London Bridge business manager.

The theatre’s new design is pink and orange and replaced a red brick structure. The old space also lacked a garden.

“The garden and theatre’s design is vibrant and obviously sticks out amongst other industrial developments in the London Bridge area,” said Henry Johnstone.

The project to refurbish the theatre garden was managed by Team London Bridge, King’s College London, and charity organisation Putting Down Roots. Putting Down Roots, a horticultural charity organisation that assists with homeless recovery, maintains the space.

Putting Down Roots upkeeps this space, along with other green spaces in the area including Melior Street Garden just around the corner.

“We were able to change what was a backstreet into a place to meet and enjoy,” said Team London Bridge.

The space is planned to be enjoyed by many locals and other people working in the area. The upkeep of the space will not be easy, however, as it is an area in which construction and other developments could damage the garden.

Greenwood Theatre Garden was among 18 short-listed gardens in a public vote by The Society of Garden Signers members, Homes & Garden magazine readers, and the general public. The project design is forecasted to nicely complement the new London Bridge station.