Connections – by David Wilcox

Remembering radical community action in North Kensington

November 22, 2023 David Wilcox

Tucked away under the Westway motorway near Portobello Market is an engaging photographic exhibition that highlights several pioneering projects of the 1960s and 1970s. The main focus is a set of photographs by Adam Ritchie documenting a Summer Play Programme. As the exhibition programme says: “This exhibition focuses on Adam’s photography documenting pioneering Summer Play … Continue reading “Remembering radical community action in North Kensington”

A reset for Destination City as Liveable City may be on the way

November 22, 2023 David Wilcox

On Monday this week the City Corporation publicly signalled a reset in the direction of its flagship Destination City programme, with more emphasis on promoting existing cultural and heritage attractions, rather than big events with bought-in acts. Residents will be offered more say. The Culture, Heritage and Libraries committee had papers on an evaluation of … Continue reading “A reset for Destination City as Liveable City may be on the way”

New study to design streets and spaces in Culture Mile raises issues of resident engagement

November 18, 2023November 19, 2023 David Wilcox

The Culture Mile Business Improvement District is carrying out a new Public Realm Study for the north west of the City of London including Barbican, Golden Lane Estate and Smithfield. I think it raises some issues of accountability and engagement – see below. The announcement in the November newsletter says: Public Realm Strategy Consultation “We … Continue reading “New study to design streets and spaces in Culture Mile raises issues of resident engagement”

Corporation dropping funding for Bartholomew Fair and rethinking Destination City

November 17, 2023November 19, 2023 David Wilcox

Following the meeting yesterday of the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources committee it is pretty clear that its flagship Destination City programme to attract visitors is going to change. My report here and video recording here. No longer, it seems, will the Corporation back and organise big events like Golden Key (£1m for one day … Continue reading “Corporation dropping funding for Bartholomew Fair and rethinking Destination City”

Bartholomew Fair evaluation published … no more Corporation funding?

November 13, 2023November 17, 2023 David Wilcox

The City Corporation has published an evaluation report on Bartholomew Fair – held over three weeks in September – detailing visitor numbers, their spending, preferences, and the partnerships formed to put on 250 events in 17 locations across the Square Mile. The Fair was part of the Destination City programme – which is now under … Continue reading “Bartholomew Fair evaluation published … no more Corporation funding?”

Why we need a Guide to Culture Mile and Destination City

November 10, 2023November 28, 2023 David Wilcox

Plans to engage residents in Destination City highlight the need for accessible information about the Corporation’s flagship programme, and a main area for cultural development. I suggest we need a Guide to what’s happening and what’s planned, with councillors taking a lead in its development. You can skip to the Guide proposals here. Update summary … Continue reading “Why we need a Guide to Culture Mile and Destination City”

Campaign responds to Corporation’s decision to demolish former Museum of London

November 10, 2023 David Wilcox

The City Corporation’s decision to go ahead with plans for a substantial office development on the site of the Museum of London has prompted a detailed response and challenge from the Barbican Quarter Action campaign opposing the plans. The Corporation invited and considered proposals from developers interested in retaining and repurposing the Museum buildings, and … Continue reading “Campaign responds to Corporation’s decision to demolish former Museum of London”

More office towers will help Destination City, says planning chief

November 3, 2023November 6, 2023 David Wilcox

A City Corporation news release accompanying images of the Square Mile skyline in 2030 says more office development is needed to meet demand, and that in addition office towers will support its Destination City programme aimed at attracting visitors. We’re delighted to share our new image of what the city skyline will look like in … Continue reading “More office towers will help Destination City, says planning chief”

Finding our way around the Square Mile

October 31, 2023November 2, 2023 David Wilcox

One of the challenges for the Destination City programme, aimed at attracting more visitors to the Square Mile, is helping people find their way around once they arrive. That was particularly true during the three weeks of Bartholomew Fair in September, with 250 events scattered across the City. While there was an official map with … Continue reading “Finding our way around the Square Mile”

Can City residents and property developers find common ground in Destination City?

October 25, 2023October 31, 2023 David Wilcox

Property development in the Square Mile can lead to tensions with residents. Barbican residents have campaigned forcefully against office development on the former site of the Museum of London, and residents on the Middlesex Street estate fought a 24 storey office tower because of overshadowing. However a recent report from the City Property Association makes … Continue reading “Can City residents and property developers find common ground in Destination City?”