Natural History Museum applies to host more events at newly unveiled gardens

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

The Natural History Museum is looking to host events in its ‘transformed’ garden spaces unveiled earlier this summer, as it applies to the local council for a fresh licence.

The world-renowned South Kensington site already holds two premises licences covering the Darwin Centre, some outside garden areas and various galleries within the main building. Both of these permit activities such as selling alcohol, playing recorded music and exhibiting films.

The new application would extend this permission to include its revamped garden spaces, the Evolution Garden and Garden Kitchen, to the east of the site. The area to its west, the new Nature Discovery Garden, is not included in the submission.

Four objections to the proposal were filed with Kensington and Chelsea council, with fears about increased rubbish and the hours requested among those raised.

A museum spokesman the premises has held a licence for more than 10 years, with no known complaints regarding litter or security in that time. Council documents however do note that two complaints have been received in the preceding 24 months, one of which was regarding noise.

A list of conditions are detailed in the pack prepared ahead of the local authority’s licensing sub-committee meeting next week. These range from limits on the number of annual events the museum can hold, to rubbish not being collected between 11pm and 7am.

Seven recommendations from residents are also noted, including patrons being restricted from congregating in Queen’s Gate after 10pm. The application is recommended for approval.

A Natural History Museum spokesman said: “The Natural History Museum has held a premises licence for over ten years, allowing it to host a wide range of events both indoors and outdoors, with the option for alcohol to be served in appropriate measures.

“The current premises licence application is to ensure the new spaces within the Museum’s transformed gardens, the Evolution Garden and Garden Kitchen, can host these same events.

“The Museum imposes a strict 10pm curfew on all outdoor events it hosts and is proposing the same condition be applied to any events held outside in the Evolution Garden as part of the new licence, as well as no amplified live music to be permitted in the garden area.

“Security is of the utmost importance to the museum, and the events team work closely with our head of security and the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safe running of events, with dedicated Security Industry Authority trained Security Officers present at each one.

“We have engaged closely with local residents committees and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea throughout the application process, and we look forward to continuing to do so.”

The museum unveiled its revamped garden spaces in July. The Evolution Garden tells the story of our planet through an immersive timeline of plants, geology and a series of props, including a bronze diplodocus cast, while the Nature Discovery Garden invites visitors to discover more about wildlife today.

Pictured top: The Evolution Garden at the Natural History Museum (Picture: The Trustees of the Natural History Museum)