[athenot]

I would understand that in a private place such as Disneyland or in an ultra-orderly city such as Singapore. But for a so-called public park, this is an insult to democracy. Part of what makes public parks interesting is how impromptu activities take place.

Enforce existing law to keep people safe; no need for locking everything down.

[scholia]

True, but it's not really a public park....

[astrodust]

What the hell is this thing, then? Why is private money involved?

[scholia]

It's a £75 million project being set up and run by a charity, the Garden Bridge Trust, so it won't be publicly owned. It will be closed to the public when it's rented out for commercial purposes.

The FAQ says:

Over 65% of the capital costs to build the bridge will be fundraised from the private sector. More than £145 million has been pledged already and there is a business plan to cover the £2 million annual maintenance and operations costs. Transport for London and the Government have together contributed £60 million in total.

https://www.gardenbridge.london/questions-answers/fact-ficti...

The arguments for the public funding contribution are that commuters will be able to walk across it, and it will help regenerate the areas at both ends.