Smithfield – Page 2 – Connections

Culture Mile public realm vision now published in full

November 25, 2024November 27, 2024 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

November 12, 2024September 10, 2025 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”

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

July 14, 2024July 24, 2024 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”

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

July 2, 2024November 8, 2024 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”

Cloth Fair Hidden Garden attracts the crowds

June 10, 2024June 12, 2024 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

June 4, 2024July 24, 2024 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 announces ‘cultural transformation’ of Smithfield

April 2, 2023October 19, 2024 David Wilcox

When I was floating the idea of a Museum of the Streets last year, I wrote: “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 … Continue reading “City announces ‘cultural transformation’ of Smithfield”

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

November 22, 2022November 22, 2022 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”

£50,000 Smithfield design competition might take inspiration from Bartholomew Fair

July 7, 2022November 22, 2022 David Wilcox

Update: Winners have been announced with a proposal for ‘Seats at the table’. “The team will work with local disabled and non-disabled youth to co-design spaces of sharing, making, learning, nourishment and socialising”. More here. A new competition ‘Co-designing Equity in the Public Realm’ aims to deliver “temporary public realm interventions in Smithfield and East … Continue reading “£50,000 Smithfield design competition might take inspiration from Bartholomew Fair”