Author: David Wilcox

Save the Museum building gets more support – now ideas needed on how to retrofit and refill

Posted on by David Wilcox

Some 400 people packed St Giles Cripplegate earlier this week for the latest campaign meeting against proposed office development on the site of the now-closed Museum of London. Back story on the plans and campaign here. The Barbican Quarter Action campaign highlighted the decision of the Twentieth Century Society to put Bastion House and the … Continue reading “Save the Museum building gets more support – now ideas needed on how to retrofit and refill”

Plans for a substantial new square near St Paul’s Cathedral

Posted on by David Wilcox

Update December 2022: the City Corporation has now formally published proposals for the St Paul’s gyratory, described in the article below, and invited comments, saying: ”The gyratory, which was introduced in the 1970’s is dominated by motor traffic and we are exploring options to improve the area for other street users. The project area stretches … Continue reading “Plans for a substantial new square near St Paul’s Cathedral”

Radical Walks will bring a Marxist perspective to EC1 developments

Posted on by David Wilcox

EC1 has a rich history; some hidden, some obscure and a great deal that is still up for debate. The present feels uncertain, the future one of many possibilities, but with hope and fear in equal measure. Can the future of EC1 be a continuum with its past? Can there be a radical development of … Continue reading “Radical Walks will bring a Marxist perspective to EC1 developments”

Another competitor for Destination City – Marylebone Farmers’ Market

Posted on by David Wilcox

I wrote recently that the Elizabeth Line makes Canary Wharf a strong competitor for City entertainment and the Destination City initiative. Here’s a look along the line westwards, and rather different attractions. When I fancy a walk in Regent’s Park I usually take the Tube from Barbican to Great Portland Street, then return via Baker … Continue reading “Another competitor for Destination City – Marylebone Farmers’ Market”

Can Destination City also help create a Liveable City?

Posted on by David Wilcox

I originally drafted this piece for a column in the EC1 Echo, but space is tight this time and we’ll revisit in print in the New Year. Meanwhile there’s discussion on Twitter about the cost and focus of the Destination City programme, and future use of the Museum of London site. The Culture Mile Business … Continue reading “Can Destination City also help create a Liveable City?”

What can you do with an empty museum? Get creative

Posted on by David Wilcox

Update: the Barbican Quarter Action campaign is hosting a meeting for residents and neighbours at 7pm on Tuesday 17th January 2023 in St Giles Church, Cripplegate. The Barbican Association reports: “This meeting will focus on the arguments against demolition of the existing buildings and for their re-adaptation and repurposing. Joining the BQA Group will be … Continue reading “What can you do with an empty museum? Get creative”

Culture Mile changes as Destination City sets out plans

Posted on by David Wilcox

For the past five years Culture Mile has been a programme of activities and projects in the north west of the City, a way of branding the area, and a team coordinating development. Some of that is changing, but quite how much won’t be clear for a few months. City Corporation committees have now approved … Continue reading “Culture Mile changes as Destination City sets out plans”

Developing a Museum of the Streets as the Museum of London closes

Posted on by David Wilcox

In December 2022 the Museum of London closes after 45 years on the edge of the Barbican estate, and prepares for a move to former market buildings in West Smithfield. The new museum promises to be amazing – but it won’t be open until 2025. Update at June 2024: The Museum is now expected to … Continue reading “Developing a Museum of the Streets as the Museum of London closes”

The Elizabeth Line works both ways for the City

Posted on by David Wilcox

The other day I received in the post a lavish publication from the Canary Wharf Group with 30 pages of promised treats from new restaurants, bars, shops and leisure experiences to penthouse flats for sale or rent. It promoted a covered ice rink and display of Winter Lights, with everything also accessible on a smartphone … Continue reading “The Elizabeth Line works both ways for the City”

’Seats at the table’ for equity coming to West Smithfield

Posted on by David Wilcox

Winners have been announced for the competition I wrote about in July to deliver in Spring 2023 “temporary public realm interventions in Smithfield and East London that collectively develop a deeper understanding of the public’s experience of streets and public spaces”. A news release announced that Re-Fabricate and the DisOrdinary Architecture Project won the competition … Continue reading “’Seats at the table’ for equity coming to West Smithfield”