Plans have been backed for a NHS memorial in Postman’s Park in the City of London.

Proposals for the memorial were agreed in principle by the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee.

The City Corporation says it is considering a competition for young artists and sculptors to design the memorial, which would include a sundial, which sits in the middle of the park, and proposals for engravings of individual paving stones.

Officers from its Open Spaces division will now consult with all partners in the project, before a final decision is taken. 

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and City Gardens Committee, Oliver Sells QC, said:

“We want to pay tribute to NHS workers for their sacrifice, and by extension, give all Londoners an opportunity to thank the key workers who work so tirelessly, and with such dedication, at the front line of the pandemic today.”

Professor Charles Knight OBE, Chief Executive of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, the City’s only NHS hospital, said:

“We must never forget the contribution of NHS staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, including colleagues who have very sadly lost their lives to the virus whilst caring for patients. We look forward to working with the City of London Corporation on their plans.”

The City Corporation protects over 11,000 acres of open space in London and south east England – including Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches - and over 200 smaller sites in the Square Mile, investing over £38m a year.

These green spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve. They include important wildlife habitats, Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and National Nature Reserves. They are protected from being built on by special legislation. 

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

Kristina Drake| Media Officer, Public Services

City of London Corporation

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/newsroom

Kristina.Drake@cityoflondon.gov.uk

M: 07710860884