Category: Public realm

Streets, walkways and open spaces

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: 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”

£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”

Last minute ideas for the Destination City review

Posted on by David Wilcox

A review of Destination City, due out shortly, is likely to recommend that the future programme drops costly events like the “spectacular” 2023 version of Bartholomew Fair. Instead it should focus on promoting the Square Mile’s unique culture and heritage, improving the public realm of streets and spaces, and building stronger partnerships with key organisations … Continue reading “Last minute ideas for the Destination City review”

Another question about Destination City – and BIDs

Posted on by David Wilcox

Update: the Old Bailey venue for City Questions yesterday was very grand … but from my point of view not much use, because the acoustics were so terrible. I couldn’t hear Brendan Barns initial speech about Destination City, or subsequent discussion, and so didn’t want to pitch in. I’m submitting my question by email. As … Continue reading “Another question about Destination City – and BIDs”

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

Posted on by 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”