A popular walkway in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is to be named in memory of the former Culture Secretary Baroness Tessa Jowell.
Tessa, who died last May, played a major role in securing the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for London.
The route to be named in honour of the much-loved former MP runs through the Pleasure Gardens in the south of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, starting at the Orbit and passing along the waterways to Carpenters Lock in the centre of the park.
The tree-lined promenade, hung with lanterns, was originally used as the main pedestrian plaza during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It has since been redesigned by one of the world’s leading landscape architects, James Corner Field Operations (creators of the New York High Line) and the renowned planting designer Piet Oudolf. It is now one of the park’s most spectacular outdoor spaces incorporating play areas, fountains, theatre spaces and flower beds.
The official name for the promenade will be announced next year after discussions between Tessa’s family, the Mayor and the London Legacy Development Corporation.
Today a private memorial service was taking place for Tessa, who was Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood from 1992 to 2015, at Southwark Cathedral.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Tessa was one of the most respected politicians in the country, someone full of kindness and generosity, who is sorely missed by family, friends and everyone who knew her.
“Tessa did more than anybody to bring the 2012 Games to London and their spectacular success was a testament to her expertise, passion and energy. She also ensured that London would benefit from a strong Olympic legacy – and it is absolutely right that the most popular area in the park created to host the Games will now be named in her honour.”
David Mills, Tessa’s husband said: “Tessa was incredibly proud of the success of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and our family are thrilled at this wonderful honour made in her memory. We are very grateful to the Mayor of London and the LLDC for this lovely gesture.”
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