The Artist’s Garden, a public sculpture park on the roof terrace of Temple underground station in London, faces closure after its licence is due to end on 1 October. Founded by curator Claire Mander and dedicated exclusively to women artists, the garden was created to address the underrepresentation of women in London’s public art; its possible loss has raised concerns that a distinctive cultural space could be replaced by commercial use.

The garden opened in October 2021 after more than £500,000 of Westminster council funding and has since commissioned 18 major works, worked with 24 artists and attracted around 100,000 visitors annually. Places for London says the terrace may need essential repair and safety assessments, while exploring alternative nearby sites; Mander disputes that explanation, arguing the works relate mainly to commercial property below and fearing redevelopment for private events.