Author: David Wilcox

New plans for Smithfield Market. How about a new Cultural Quarter?

Posted on by David Wilcox

The City Corporation has announced creation of a 30-year masterplan for the Smithfield/Barbican area, focussed on re-development of the Smithfield Meat Market buildings as an international cultural and commercial hub once trading ceases in 2028. On London has a good report. Update October 2025: Dave Hill in On London provides an exceptionally useful in-depth review … Continue reading “New plans for Smithfield Market. How about a new Cultural Quarter?”

Where are they now? Picturing play in 1960’s North Kensington

Posted on by David Wilcox

Nearly 60 years ago photographer Adam Ritchie returned to North Kensington from New York – and moved from recording Velvet Underground to picturing children playing in the streets. Adam reports on his website: “I found the Greater London Council (GLC) had just demolished 700 houses across North Kensington to build the longest elevated motorway in … Continue reading “Where are they now? Picturing play in 1960’s North Kensington”

New planning brief for Smithfield Market buildings

Posted on by David Wilcox

City Corporation planners are developing a new brief to frame options for developing Smithfield Market buildings when wholesale trading ends in three years time, subject to Parliamentary approval. Last December the Corporation agreed closure of the market with traders and a plan, with compensation, to move to a new location “within the M25”. Last week … Continue reading “New planning brief for Smithfield Market buildings”

Benjamin Franklin’s Press celebrated 300 years on

Posted on by David Wilcox

Why does London’s oldest parish church, St Bartholomew the Great, founded in Smithfield in 1123, have an ancient printing press set up in the Lady Chapel? It is because 300 years ago the young Benjamin Franklin started work there as a journeyman printer with Samuel Palmer, and over the next month you can book in … Continue reading “Benjamin Franklin’s Press celebrated 300 years on”

Residents confirmed missing from Destination City programme

Posted on by David Wilcox

The flagship Destination City programme aiming to attract more visitors and businesses to the Square Mile has now lost all reference to its 8000 or so residents – despite a recommendation that we should be consulted as reliable ‘eyes and ears’ of daily life in the City of London with interests often matching those of … Continue reading “Residents confirmed missing from Destination City programme”

Footways excel with their new map of Clerkenwell

Posted on by David Wilcox

Huge congratulations to Footways on publication of their printed and online map of Clerkenwell heritage and attractions. I have a slight stake on in it – about which more later – but think I can be dispassionate in saying how appealing and important it is on two fronts. First off, it is an excellent guide … Continue reading “Footways excel with their new map of Clerkenwell”

City Corporation tries a new way to engage with residents

Posted on by David Wilcox

Several times a year the 8000 or so residents in the Square Mile are invited to a Question Time with City Corporation councillors and officers. In the past these events have been rather traditional affairs, with a top table and formal proceedings. Venues have ranged from libraries and theatres to a session in the Old … Continue reading “City Corporation tries a new way to engage with residents”

Smithfield Market is going – now what next?

Posted on by David Wilcox

The City Corporation announced on December 23 2024 that they and the Smithfield traders have agreed on a plan to move the market to a new location “within the M25” when the site closes. See more at the end under updates. The decision yesterday by the City Corporation to close Smithfield meat market within a … Continue reading “Smithfield Market is going – now what next?”

Culture Mile public realm vision now published in full

Posted on by David Wilcox

The Culture Mile Business Improvement District has now published a full version of its Public Realm Vision and Strategy, including ideas for major improvements to Aldersgate Street and the Barbican Gateway area. These include widening the streets, increased pedestrianisation, new cycle paths and increased lighting and signage. A preview of the vision was presented at … Continue reading “Culture Mile public realm vision now published in full”

Smithfield Market surroundings due for a make-over – sometime

Posted on by David Wilcox

Plans for improvements to streets and public spaces north and south of Smithfield Market are being published as uncertainty emerges about the future of the historic meat market. The surrounding public realm will be particularly important in future on two fronts: when the new London Museum opens nearby in 2026, and when/if the market buildings … Continue reading “Smithfield Market surroundings due for a make-over – sometime”