AN OASIS with palm trees has been uncovered in London’s East End—but it’s dry. There’s no water. The Fieldgate Oasis’ in Whitechapel opened on Tuesday where people can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life, but water may have slipped through bthe polanners’ fingers
AN OASIS with palm trees has been uncovered in London's East End-but it's dry. There's no water.
The 'Fieldgate Oasis' in Whitechapel opened on Tuesday where people can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It was unveiled by Tower Hamlets Council which has created the open green space in Fieldgate Street, opposite the famous Whitechapel bell foundry.
The converted wasteground, which the council admits isn't suitable for yet another 'city fringe' skyscraper, has several planters with palm trees, where people can take time out to sit or meet friends.
But a drinking fountain or small pool may have been overlooked, it seems.
"We seem to have missed out on that one," said council publicist Kate Taylor.
"What's an oasis without water? We'll have to look into that one."
Artist Chris Warmington has been working with East End community groups to create designs to decorate the larger tree planter at the heart of the oasis.
Another element missing from this little paradise just off the busy Whitechapel Road is sand.
The designers have gone for lush grass and palm trees.
But sand also seems to have slipped through their fingers.
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