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| How Joanna Lumley charmed ‘dear Boris’ to back her garden bridge dream | How Joanna Lumley charmed ‘dear Boris’ to back her garden bridge dream |
| (6 days later) | |
| A passage two-thirds of the way through Joanna Lumley’s autobiography reveals that the designer Thomas Heatherwick would be “happy to work on the bridge” – the river Thames crossing that the actor has long dreamed of. | A passage two-thirds of the way through Joanna Lumley’s autobiography reveals that the designer Thomas Heatherwick would be “happy to work on the bridge” – the river Thames crossing that the actor has long dreamed of. |
| Her brief reference in the 2004 book to the designer “of incomparable originality” is among a series of curious details helping to drive mounting calls for an independent inquiry into how, almost a decade later, Heatherwick secured the contract to design Lumley’s £175m garden bridge. | Her brief reference in the 2004 book to the designer “of incomparable originality” is among a series of curious details helping to drive mounting calls for an independent inquiry into how, almost a decade later, Heatherwick secured the contract to design Lumley’s £175m garden bridge. |
| Related: Garden bridge's future in jeopardy as judicial review is granted | Related: Garden bridge's future in jeopardy as judicial review is granted |
| Ahead of a crucial judicial review into the project next month, questions about the fairness of the procurement process are escalating, alongside scrutiny of the links between Heatherwick, Lumley and London mayor Boris Johnson, who has granted £30m of public funds to a venture that once came with the pledge that it would be entirely paid for by private sponsors. | Ahead of a crucial judicial review into the project next month, questions about the fairness of the procurement process are escalating, alongside scrutiny of the links between Heatherwick, Lumley and London mayor Boris Johnson, who has granted £30m of public funds to a venture that once came with the pledge that it would be entirely paid for by private sponsors. |
| Michael Ball of the Waterloo Community Development Group, which is leading the opposition to the bridge, alleges that the process to appoint Heatherwick Studio was “back to front”, describing it as a “retro-fit process to give apparent legitimacy” to the decision to appoint the firm. This accusation is vehemently denied by those involved. | Michael Ball of the Waterloo Community Development Group, which is leading the opposition to the bridge, alleges that the process to appoint Heatherwick Studio was “back to front”, describing it as a “retro-fit process to give apparent legitimacy” to the decision to appoint the firm. This accusation is vehemently denied by those involved. |
| What is clearer is that Lumley – who has known Boris “since he was four” and says this relationship makes him “largely quite amenable” – began lobbying the Tory MP shortly after his re-election as London mayor in May 2012. A letter from Lumley to her childhood acquaintance, obtained by the Architects’ Journal after a Freedom of Information request, is dated 11 May 2012 and states: “Heatherwick and I would very much like to meet you in the near future to talk most earnestly about the idea of a bridge.”, before congratulating him on being re-elected | |
| The response from Johnson, dated 21 June 2012, does appear amenable: “I would very much like to hear [your] ideas for a new bridge across the Thames.” But he cites a crammed diary and suggests the 69-year-old Absolutely Fabulous star meet his deputy mayor for transport and chief of staff. | The response from Johnson, dated 21 June 2012, does appear amenable: “I would very much like to hear [your] ideas for a new bridge across the Thames.” But he cites a crammed diary and suggests the 69-year-old Absolutely Fabulous star meet his deputy mayor for transport and chief of staff. |
| In the following months Transport for London (TfL), which is overseeing the garden bridge project for Johnson, decided that there was scope for a “new footbridge in central London connecting the South Bank with the Temple area”. | In the following months Transport for London (TfL), which is overseeing the garden bridge project for Johnson, decided that there was scope for a “new footbridge in central London connecting the South Bank with the Temple area”. |
| Usually the next step, according to experts, would be the selection of a designer from TfL’s framework panel for architecture and bridges, the preferred contractors to which a public authority turns first. Heatherwick Studio, run by 44-year-old Heatherwick, who delivered the Olympic Cauldron and London’s new double decker Routemaster bus, was not on the list. | Usually the next step, according to experts, would be the selection of a designer from TfL’s framework panel for architecture and bridges, the preferred contractors to which a public authority turns first. Heatherwick Studio, run by 44-year-old Heatherwick, who delivered the Olympic Cauldron and London’s new double decker Routemaster bus, was not on the list. |
| In February 2013, TfL invited three London-based architects to submit designs for a bridge in central London. Marks Barfield Architects, which has delivered a number of prestigious bridge projects, was asked, as was Wilkinson Eyre, a firm that has designed more than 25 bridges, including the Stirling prize-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge. The third firm was Heatherwick Studio, which has designed just one bridge. | In February 2013, TfL invited three London-based architects to submit designs for a bridge in central London. Marks Barfield Architects, which has delivered a number of prestigious bridge projects, was asked, as was Wilkinson Eyre, a firm that has designed more than 25 bridges, including the Stirling prize-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge. The third firm was Heatherwick Studio, which has designed just one bridge. |
| Despite this, internal TfL documents obtained by the Architects’ Journal, show that Heatherwick scored more highly than the others in the crucial “relevant design experience” category, a judgment that helped the firm to outscore their rivals and secure the contract. | |
| Lumley’s direct lobbying of Johnson becomes increasingly relevant following close inspection of Heatherwick’s official tender submission for the bridge, a glossy, 14-page brochure naming the actress as an “associate” in its bid for the high-profile project. “Joanna has worked with Heatherwick Studio for over a decade, involved with the strategic development of a number of the studio’s self-initiated public projects in London,” it says. | Lumley’s direct lobbying of Johnson becomes increasingly relevant following close inspection of Heatherwick’s official tender submission for the bridge, a glossy, 14-page brochure naming the actress as an “associate” in its bid for the high-profile project. “Joanna has worked with Heatherwick Studio for over a decade, involved with the strategic development of a number of the studio’s self-initiated public projects in London,” it says. |
| However, Lumley’s involvement with the project does not end there. She is also cited as a trustee on the Garden Bridge Trust, the charity that will maintain the river crossing if and when it is built. A trust spokesman said Lumley had never been paid for her involvement with Heatherwick and her role as associate was to reflect that the “original idea for the garden bridge was hers”. He added: “There is no legal or commercial connection between Joanna and Heatherwick Studio. Her role as a trustee of the Garden Bridge Trust is unpaid.” | However, Lumley’s involvement with the project does not end there. She is also cited as a trustee on the Garden Bridge Trust, the charity that will maintain the river crossing if and when it is built. A trust spokesman said Lumley had never been paid for her involvement with Heatherwick and her role as associate was to reflect that the “original idea for the garden bridge was hers”. He added: “There is no legal or commercial connection between Joanna and Heatherwick Studio. Her role as a trustee of the Garden Bridge Trust is unpaid.” |
| The mayor’s press team said it would not be commenting on the Lumley garden bridge issue. | The mayor’s press team said it would not be commenting on the Lumley garden bridge issue. |
| The invitation to tender makes no reference to a garden bridge: 'design advice to help progress ideas for a footbridge' | The invitation to tender makes no reference to a garden bridge: 'design advice to help progress ideas for a footbridge' |
| Also peculiar, according to critics, is the way in which the invitation to tender makes no reference to the desire or requirement for a garden bridge. The document requests “design advice to help progress ideas for a new footbridge crossing of the river Thames”. | Also peculiar, according to critics, is the way in which the invitation to tender makes no reference to the desire or requirement for a garden bridge. The document requests “design advice to help progress ideas for a new footbridge crossing of the river Thames”. |
| Ball said: “There’s no mention of a garden, or indeed a garden bridge, so Heatherwick wasn’t being procured to design a garden bridge. How on Earth did this slide to become the main gig?” | Ball said: “There’s no mention of a garden, or indeed a garden bridge, so Heatherwick wasn’t being procured to design a garden bridge. How on Earth did this slide to become the main gig?” |
| In addition, those sceptical about the procurement process argue that questions also remain over why some of the most obviously suitable architects were not invited. Among those apparently ignored was Alistair Lenczner, who led the design team on the world-famous Millau Viaduct in southern France. At a packed public meeting in London last Monday to hear objectors’ concerns over the proposed bridge, Lenczner dismissed Heatherwick’s design as a “private garden platform pretending to be a bridge”. | In addition, those sceptical about the procurement process argue that questions also remain over why some of the most obviously suitable architects were not invited. Among those apparently ignored was Alistair Lenczner, who led the design team on the world-famous Millau Viaduct in southern France. At a packed public meeting in London last Monday to hear objectors’ concerns over the proposed bridge, Lenczner dismissed Heatherwick’s design as a “private garden platform pretending to be a bridge”. |
| Other issues rankle among leading architects, particularly the injection of public money for a project billed as being 100% private-sector funded. An email from leading British architect Ian Ritchie to opponents of the bridge contains allegations that he was misled over the fact that public money was going to the project: “I personally received assurances from the deputy mayor for planning and a senior representative of TfL at a meeting at the GLA [Greater London Authority] that no public funds were being made available for the garden bridge.” | Other issues rankle among leading architects, particularly the injection of public money for a project billed as being 100% private-sector funded. An email from leading British architect Ian Ritchie to opponents of the bridge contains allegations that he was misled over the fact that public money was going to the project: “I personally received assurances from the deputy mayor for planning and a senior representative of TfL at a meeting at the GLA [Greater London Authority] that no public funds were being made available for the garden bridge.” |
| So far, Johnson and the chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, have each pledged £30m of public money for the project. Both have been accused of side-stepping protocol when sanctioning the use of taxpayers’ money normally designated for public transport ventures that will benefit millions. Opponents claim that funds designated for transport infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating congestion and improving travel flow in the centre of the capital will instead be used to deliver what they claim is ostensibly a privately managed tourist landmark. | So far, Johnson and the chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, have each pledged £30m of public money for the project. Both have been accused of side-stepping protocol when sanctioning the use of taxpayers’ money normally designated for public transport ventures that will benefit millions. Opponents claim that funds designated for transport infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating congestion and improving travel flow in the centre of the capital will instead be used to deliver what they claim is ostensibly a privately managed tourist landmark. |
| Ritchie’s email concludes: “The fact that a bridge here is not actually a transport priority is evident to all with any understanding of London.” | Ritchie’s email concludes: “The fact that a bridge here is not actually a transport priority is evident to all with any understanding of London.” |
| Official attempts to justify the project have also been criticised, according to transport expert and prospective Labour mayoral candidate Christian Wolmar. He alleges that TfL’s strategic business case for the bridge, an assessment of whether the scheme offers value for money, appears weighted in favour of the proposal. “The case reads like something that has been written to justify a conclusion that has already been made,” he said, adding that the scope of the report appeared unusually narrow. | Official attempts to justify the project have also been criticised, according to transport expert and prospective Labour mayoral candidate Christian Wolmar. He alleges that TfL’s strategic business case for the bridge, an assessment of whether the scheme offers value for money, appears weighted in favour of the proposal. “The case reads like something that has been written to justify a conclusion that has already been made,” he said, adding that the scope of the report appeared unusually narrow. |
| Tellingly, perhaps, Johnson himself told delegates at a business conference in the south of France last year that he didn’t grasp “quite what the point of it [the garden bridge] is”. | Tellingly, perhaps, Johnson himself told delegates at a business conference in the south of France last year that he didn’t grasp “quite what the point of it [the garden bridge] is”. |
| Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly group, said Johnson needed to allow independent scrutiny of Heatherwick’s bid as part of a reappraisal of the bidding process: “As serious public money will be spent …it is vital that we have every confidence that the procurement process was carried out to the highest standards. | Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly group, said Johnson needed to allow independent scrutiny of Heatherwick’s bid as part of a reappraisal of the bidding process: “As serious public money will be spent …it is vital that we have every confidence that the procurement process was carried out to the highest standards. |
| “Sadly, the whole issue has been muddled by the personal lobbying of Joanna Lumley and her close connections to both the mayor and the winning designer. The mayor should now agree to an independent evaluation of the bids submitted for the garden bridge.” | “Sadly, the whole issue has been muddled by the personal lobbying of Joanna Lumley and her close connections to both the mayor and the winning designer. The mayor should now agree to an independent evaluation of the bids submitted for the garden bridge.” |
| TfL says there is absolutely no need for a fresh look, and says it is “satisfied a robust and proper process was followed to award this contract”. A spokesman added that the initial tender was issued to three design firms “as at the time there was no approved TfL architectural framework in place”. | TfL says there is absolutely no need for a fresh look, and says it is “satisfied a robust and proper process was followed to award this contract”. A spokesman added that the initial tender was issued to three design firms “as at the time there was no approved TfL architectural framework in place”. |
| Related: Green groups condemn Glencore involvement in Garden Bridge project | Related: Green groups condemn Glencore involvement in Garden Bridge project |
| Meanwhile, disquiet over the bridge’s environmental credentials is gathering momentum. During Monday’s meeting, in Waterloo, Green party leader Natalie Bennett denounced Lumley’s bridge as “greenwash”. In addition, the Rainforest Trust has said that the £175m cost would be sufficient to procure around 70 million acres of virgin rainforest in places such as Sumatra, western Indonesia. Calculating 400 trees for each acre, the trust said the money would, theoretically, be sufficient to save 28 billion trees. | Meanwhile, disquiet over the bridge’s environmental credentials is gathering momentum. During Monday’s meeting, in Waterloo, Green party leader Natalie Bennett denounced Lumley’s bridge as “greenwash”. In addition, the Rainforest Trust has said that the £175m cost would be sufficient to procure around 70 million acres of virgin rainforest in places such as Sumatra, western Indonesia. Calculating 400 trees for each acre, the trust said the money would, theoretically, be sufficient to save 28 billion trees. |
| The garden bridge will, according to its promoters, result in the planting of 270 trees within 1.5 acres (6,000 square metres) of garden designed by Observer columnist Dan Pearson, who won best show garden at the Chelsea flower show. | The garden bridge will, according to its promoters, result in the planting of 270 trees within 1.5 acres (6,000 square metres) of garden designed by Observer columnist Dan Pearson, who won best show garden at the Chelsea flower show. |
| Elsewhere, Britain’s walking charity, the Ramblers’ Association, has decided to oppose the footbridge, which others have heralded as a development that would promote walking in the city. Phil Marson, chair of Inner London Ramblers, warned that the impact of the bridge on internationally famous walking trails would be too much. | Elsewhere, Britain’s walking charity, the Ramblers’ Association, has decided to oppose the footbridge, which others have heralded as a development that would promote walking in the city. Phil Marson, chair of Inner London Ramblers, warned that the impact of the bridge on internationally famous walking trails would be too much. |
| The Thames Path was the first national trail, a heritage asset in itself. This bridge will block these amazing views | The Thames Path was the first national trail, a heritage asset in itself. This bridge will block these amazing views |
| “The Thames Path was the first national trail, which in central London is a heritage asset in itself,” he said. “People walk from Gloucestershire, 180 miles away, to go there. Lonely Planet has it as the second-best urban walk in the world. This bridge will destroy all this beauty, blocking these amazing views.” | “The Thames Path was the first national trail, which in central London is a heritage asset in itself,” he said. “People walk from Gloucestershire, 180 miles away, to go there. Lonely Planet has it as the second-best urban walk in the world. This bridge will destroy all this beauty, blocking these amazing views.” |
| Next month the proposed garden bridge faces a further obstacle with a full judicial review of the project, which threatens delays for the Garden Bridge Trust, which insists construction work must begin by the end of 2015 to avoid a clash with work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. The court will examine funding of the project and issues such as who would foot a £3.5m annual maintenance bill if the trust went bankrupt. | Next month the proposed garden bridge faces a further obstacle with a full judicial review of the project, which threatens delays for the Garden Bridge Trust, which insists construction work must begin by the end of 2015 to avoid a clash with work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. The court will examine funding of the project and issues such as who would foot a £3.5m annual maintenance bill if the trust went bankrupt. |
| A spokesman for the Garden Bridge Trust said: “The bridge is designed to offer pedestrians a new, and free, route across the river Thames. It will provide a unique green corridor between two bustling areas of the capital, with approaching 100,000 plants, bulbs and shrubs, as well as 270 trees, providing real environmental benefits, as well as new and exciting views of the city and river.” | A spokesman for the Garden Bridge Trust said: “The bridge is designed to offer pedestrians a new, and free, route across the river Thames. It will provide a unique green corridor between two bustling areas of the capital, with approaching 100,000 plants, bulbs and shrubs, as well as 270 trees, providing real environmental benefits, as well as new and exciting views of the city and river.” |
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