Author: David Wilcox

Livery Companies could showcase craft skills next to new London Museum, suggests City councillor

Posted on by David Wilcox

I’m intrigued by possible uses for a former Smithfield market building, which seems to have escaped public attention. The derelict General Market and Poultry Market buildings are being converted for the new London Museum, as I wrote here, and the main Meat Market continues to be in operation. But what of The Annex? I discover … Continue reading “Livery Companies could showcase craft skills next to new London Museum, suggests City councillor”

Culture Mile: what is it, where is significant, and who is accountable?

Posted on by David Wilcox

This is the third of a series of posts about a City of London Culture Mile event on July 18, and issues that will be discussed including public realm improvements and a community forum. Previous posts here and here. Among questions residents may have in mind when attending the first Culture Mile community meeting on … Continue reading “Culture Mile: what is it, where is significant, and who is accountable?”

New vision for City’s Culture Mile raises issues of accountability

Posted on by David Wilcox

This is the second of a series of posts providing background about issues to be discussed at the community meeting organised by the Culture Mile BID on July 18. First post including details of the meeting here. Two sets of proposals are now emerging for improvements to streets and spaces in the north west of … Continue reading “New vision for City’s Culture Mile raises issues of accountability”

Culture Mile BID stages first community event

Posted on by David Wilcox

This is first of three posts about community engagement in the Culture Mile area of City of London. Links at the end to the other two posts. I was delighted the other day to receive an invitation from the Culture Mile Business Improvement District to a community event on July 18, particularly when I found … Continue reading “Culture Mile BID stages first community event”

£12 million vision for a more welcoming Smithfield now 10 years away

Posted on by David Wilcox

Update: the Culture Mile Business Improvement District presented its own public realm study at a community forum meeting on July 18. Video and transcript here. As yet there are no detailed proposals for Smithfield. The key issue is when the Meat Market may move. See below for committee discussion at which councillor Brendan Barns asked … Continue reading “£12 million vision for a more welcoming Smithfield now 10 years away”

Museum of London gets out and about on its Play Cycles

Posted on by David Wilcox

Just because the Museum of London In the City is closed while moving from Barbican to West Smithfield doesn’t mean it is inactive. Rather the reverse. On Friday and Saturday last week the Museum launched Play Cycles “a new pop-up play programme bringing free, drop-in family-friendly play and art activities for all ages to parks, … Continue reading “Museum of London gets out and about on its Play Cycles”

Revisiting a Museum of the Streets

Posted on by David Wilcox

There won’t be a Bartholomew Fair this year – but still much to explore around Smithfield and elsewhere in support of the Destination City programme. Developing a Museum of the Streets could be one way to put on a good show, and build a partnership for future celebrations. See update at the end a on … Continue reading “Revisiting a Museum of the Streets”

Cloth Fair Hidden Garden attracts the crowds

Posted on by David Wilcox

Last weekend was the first time that the Hidden Garden of Cloth Fair had joined more than 100 others in the London Open Garden programme, and it was a great success. Ten years ago the garden of St Bartholomew the Great was overgrown, and when Bernadette Skehan moved into a flat overlooking the space she … Continue reading “Cloth Fair Hidden Garden attracts the crowds”

The London Society offers a “sneak peek” into the site of the new London Museum

Posted on by David Wilcox

Update July 24 2024: the Museum has launched its new website, with a full explanation of how Market buildings will be transformed. The London Society organises excellent walks and talks, and last week I was delighted to be able to join in a “sneak peek” organised by director Rob Fiehn just down the road at … Continue reading “The London Society offers a “sneak peek” into the site of the new London Museum”

City’s first Neighbourhood Forum gathers pace

Posted on by David Wilcox

I’ve been watching with keen interest plans to create a Neighbourhood Forum for the Barbican and Golden Lane Estates, since it was proposed a year ago, and so was delighted to be invited to a drop-in planning session last week even though I live in Smithfield. Definitely neighbourly. In St Giles Cripplegate** I found residents … Continue reading “City’s first Neighbourhood Forum gathers pace”