Category: Culture Mile

The name used by the City Corporation for the north west cultural district until 2023. Currently used by the Business Improvement District

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?”

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”

Emerging vision for Culture Mile published by BID

Posted on by David Wilcox

Update: the Culture Mile public realm strategy will be officially launched at an event on November 13 2024. According to a BBC London report from Ben Lynch on November 8 the planned move of Smithfield Market to Dagenham has been halted. Previously: £12 million vision for a more welcoming Smithfield now 10 years away The … Continue reading “Emerging vision for Culture Mile published by BID”

No community forum for City’s Culture Mile area

Posted on by David Wilcox

Plans for a community forum in the City of London’s main residential area, featured in proposals for the Culture Mile Business Improvement District, have come down to two meetings a year. I suggest it’s now up to elected Members to consider what’s needed. I have uploaded videos from the first community event organised by the … Continue reading “No community forum for City’s Culture Mile area”

Culture Mile community event – feedback and ideas

Posted on by David Wilcox

The Culture Mile Business Improvement District held its first community event yesterday evening, as I previewed in this post. Here’s feedback and ideas on how it could mark the start of better engagement with local residents. Update: Links to videos and transcripts at the end, and the latest post: No community forum for City’s Culture … Continue reading “Culture Mile community event – feedback and ideas”

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”

What is Destination City now – and who is it for?

Posted on by David Wilcox

I’m looking forward to the next Citizens Forum about Destination City on Monday May 20 – not least hoping to find out just what it is. Booking here. See below for an update from the event. Councillor Brendan Barns, the Resident Representative on the City Envoy Network, has previously organised some excellent Forum events. Earlier … Continue reading “What is Destination City now – and who is it for?”