Royal Horticultural Society Denies Endorsing Rooftop Plans


Have asked developer not to use their logo in relation to the project


Artist's impression of The Palmhouse

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has asked the developers behind plans to create a rooftop venue at Putney Exchange not to imply that they endorse the project.

The have asked Incipio to remove any reference to the RHS or use of its logo in relation to the project.

In mid-November Incipio and BlackRock ran public consultations in the Putney Exchange regarding their proposals for a venue called the Palmhouse to be located on the roof of the shopping centre .

The release included a quote that, "The design also includes water re-cycling and other ‘green’ sustainability initiatives to contribute to the mitigation of the high degree of air-pollution in and around Putney High Street. Matt Keightley, an RHS Chelsea Flower Show award-winner (twice!) has been recruited to assist with the design and function of the venue with regard to the planting / garden element; indeed, the project also comes with the full endorsement of the Royal Horticultural Society insofar as it relates to sustainability and environmental considerations".

An RHS spokesperson said: “The RHS has asked Matt Keightley to inform Incipio to not use the RHS logo and RHS name in relation to any aspect of this project and not use the RHS name or logo in relation to this project in any way in future. We have asked Incipio to write to us to confirm this.”

One Putney resident, who lives close to the proposed venue told this website:"It seems completely disingenuous to suggest that the Palmhouse with its green element will mitigate the excessively high pollution levels in Putney High Street. In fact the truth is that this venue itself will increase air pollution because many of the people who come to visit the venue or to service it will travel by car. What evidence is there that plants on the rooftop mostly in a glasshouse set back from Putney High Street will have any effect whatsoever on street pollution?".

We have contacted the Putney Exchange to ask for a response from Incipio and the centre.

December 7, 2018