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This episode explores the draft new London Plan and why it matters for housing, transport, green belt decisions, and long-term city-making. Host Leanne Tritton and co-host Dave Hill speak with Lisa Fairmaner about how the plan is made, who influences it, and why it is both a planning document and a strategic signal to government and investors. Lisa Fairmaner, former lead officer on the London Plan at City Hall and now Associate Director and National Lead for Strategic Planning at ARUP, explains the mechanics behind the plan and the choices shaping London's next decade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon talk to Liz Hutchinson, CEO of London Higher, and discuss London's position as the global leader in higher education, the sector's impact on the city, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. She shares insights on international student attraction, the diversity of institutions, and the importance of collaboration for London's future as a higher education hub. 00:00 Introduction to London's Higher Education Sector 01:18 Why London is the Global Leader in Higher Education 03:06 The Timing and Purpose of the Campaign 04:18 International Competition and Challenges 08:33 Diversity of London Institutions 09:43 Impact of Visa Policies on International Students 11:25 The Value of International Talent and Soft Power 15:36 Engagement with City Hall and Future Strategies 19:12 University Community Engagement and Local Impact 22:47 Making University Spaces More Accessible 26:13 Mapping and Understanding the Sector 28:19 Pathways and Collaboration for Future Talent 29:49 Using Social Media and Soft Power 31:37 Practical Skills and the Future of Higher Education 34:36 Balancing Technical and Academic Education 36:46 The Future of London's Higher Education Leadership Keywords London higher education, global city, international students, university diversity, sector impact, collaboration, skills, AI, disinformation, city strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oxford Street is recognised around the world and is often described as the UK's high street. More than just one of London's most famous streets, it is a global destination whose success shapes perceptions of the capital and the country as a whole. In this episode of Talk About London, Dave Hill, OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society are joined by Nabeel Khan, Chief Executive of the Oxford Street Development Corporation, to explore the bold vision for its future. They discuss why the Mayoral Development Corporation was created, the powers it has to accelerate delivery, how consensus is being built between businesses, local communities and government, and why accessibility, public realm improvements and long-term planning will be critical to creating an Oxford Street that is fit for the next generation. Introduction to the Oxford Street Transformation Project – 00:00 What is a Mayoral Development Corporation? – 01:32 Why Oxford Street was chosen for transformation – 03:00 The powers and responsibilities of the MDC – 04:08 Geography and scope of the Oxford Street area – 05:34 Legal and statutory powers of the MDC – 06:19 Collaboration with Transport for London – 07:04 Acting at pace: Early wins and timelines – 10:19 Expected changes by October 2024 – 12:55 Design and safety considerations, including hostile vehicle mitigation – 16:21 Changing the role of Oxford Street: From retail to experience-led destination – 19:56 Design review, accessibility and creating a street for everyone – 22:57 Planning authority and governance – 28:26 Developing the local plan and long-term vision – 31:15 Section 106 contributions and community benefits – 34:57 Building consensus among stakeholders – 39:43 The importance of public toilets and clear communication – 44:30 Using the public estate for messaging and engagement – 45:34 Conclusion and future outlook – 48:10 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode in the London Explained series takes a look at the River Thames and asks if London is making the most of the waterway that gave it life - particularly the part of its north bank, where it flows past the Houses of Parliament and the Victoria Embankment. Could that section of the riverfront - and further east to Blackfriars and beyond - be made more attractive to Londoners and visitors alike, both in its own right and through its proximity to the nearby pleasures of the Strand? Although it's an annual gathering point for celebrations of the New Year fireworks and the Marathon, might it be improved such that more people are drawn to it all year round? And what about its potential as an environmental asset, including for generating sustainable heat?   Combining interviews, archive material and the sounds of the Embankment and the river itself, The London Society trustee and writer Dave Hill tells the story of the importance of the Thames to London's past, its present and its unfolding future. The podcast is produced by Andrew McGibbon of Curtains For Radio for The London Society. It was financially supported by the London Heritage Quarter business improvement district, with The London Society retaining full editorial control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What role do civic societies really play in shaping London? Are they powerful defenders of local communities, or are they unfairly blamed for blocking the homes and infrastructure the capital desperately needs? In this episode of Talk About London, Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon are joined by architect and former RIBA President Ben Derbyshire to explore the history, purpose and future of London's civic societies. They unpack where these organisations came from, what influence they actually have in the planning system, and why there is so much misunderstanding about their role. The conversation examines the balance between protecting local character and enabling the high-quality development London needs, challenges the perception that civic societies are simply "NIMBY" organisations, and discusses how they can become more representative of the communities they serve. The episode also explores the wider barriers to delivering housing—from planning and finance to public engagement—and considers how civic societies can become constructive partners in creating a better London. Whether you're a resident, planner, architect, councillor or simply someone who cares about the future of the capital, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of London's most important, but often overlooked, parts of civic life. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to civic societies and their role in London 01:12 - What is a civic society? Origins and early focus 02:40 - Historical context of civic activism and key figures like Octavia Hill 04:36 - Civic societies today: statutory powers and limitations 05:35 - The importance of civic influence versus statutory power 06:42 - Examples of civic influence and campaigns in London 07:56 - Challenges posed by statutory consultees and "NIMBY" labels 08:39 - Planning reform, streamlining, and civic engagement 09:56 - Campaigns: opposition in civic societies and their validity 11:18 - The positive role of civic societies in supporting public good and high-quality housing 12:17 - The importance of constructive civic participation and diversity 13:03 - Engaging new generations and diverse voices in planning 14:22 - The impact of demographic shifts on civic involvement and planning interest 15:52 - The undervalued contribution of civic societies in local planning debates 17:12 - The potential for civic societies to influence detailed urban policies 18:07 - Overcoming old stereotypes and encouraging younger, diverse memberships 19:23 - The need to improve genuine engagement over superficial consultation processes 20:03 - Young people's creativity and energy in urban activism 21:26 - The challenge of meaningful participation and constructive debate 22:50 - The disconnect between the housing crisis and public perception 23:43 - Alternative models for funding social housing, including bonds and public investment 25:20 - Recognizing the historical role of Section 106 in urban development 26:23 - The positive perception of young people's engagement when opportunities are available 27:19 - Defining "good growth" and the importance of housing as infrastructure 28:44 - The balance between local character and innovative urban design 29:22 - Examples of modern, context-sensitive architecture and design standards 31:23 - The valuable input civic societies provide in planning and development debates 32:00 - Encouraging wider public involvement in civic and planning activities 33:36 - The joy of activism and community engagement in urban renewal projects 34:04 - Closing thoughts: how to better involve local communities in shaping London Resources & Links: London SocietyLondon.co.ukOctavia Hill - BiographyLondon Forum of Amenities and Civic SocietiesVictorian SocietySociety for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)20th Century SocietySadiq Khan's Good Growth PolicySection 106 AgreementsConnect with Ben Derbyshire: LinkedInTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London's local elections have reshaped the political map of the capital, bringing in new councillors, new administrations and new priorities. But what happens after the votes are counted? In this episode of Talk About London, Dave Hill, OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society are joined by Karen Alcock, one of London's most experienced public affairs professionals, to explore the practical realities of governing the city after a major election. From planning committees and housing delivery to political leadership, coalition-building and the challenge of bringing new councillors up to speed, Karen explains how local government actually works when the headlines have faded. The conversation looks at why decision-making can slow after elections, what this means for housing and development, how City Hall is responding to growing pressures on the planning system, and what residents, businesses and developers should expect over the coming months. Whether you're interested in politics, planning, housing or simply how London functions, this episode offers a clear and accessible guide to the challenges and opportunities facing the capital as its new leaders get down to work. 1:12 - Discussion on the scale of change across boroughs1:32 - Karen's insights on minority control and coalitions2:14 - Challenges faced by new councillors3:12 - Importance of officers in council operations4:35 - Timeframe for councils to settle and make decisions5:18 - Financial and political decision-making processes6:19 - Expected delays in council operations7:17 - Discussion on estate renewal and local plans9:00 - Impact of political changes on council operations10:05 - Loss of political muscle memory11:21 - Collaboration between new and old councillors12:26 - Day-to-day life of new councillors15:11 - Discussion on housing and development challenges19:14 - Mayoral interventions in planning decisions23:15 - Green Party's approach to development28:10 - Concerns about leadership and management techniques29:39 - Future challenges like AI and data centers31:24 - Mayoral interventions and their impact35:06 - Emergency measures and planning policy changes37:01 - Closing remarks and optimism for new councillors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mayor of London is one of the most important roles in the country - shaping how the city grows, lives and works. But is there another way to run London? In this episode of Talk About London, Peter Murray joins Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon to argue that London’s future hinges on something often overlooked: the built environment. With a housing crisis deepening and 600,000 people working across the sector, Peter sets out a more pragmatic, less political approach - one that brings together developers, communities and City Hall to unlock growth. From street votes and estate ballots to reducing development risk and learning from places like King’s Cross, he makes the case for a more collaborative, confident London. If we want to build the homes and infrastructure the city needs, it starts with how we think about — and talk about — the places we shape every day. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Peter Murray's candidacy and his background in London's development 02:44 - Addressing London's housing shortage and affordability crisis 03:41 - Knowledge gaps among candidates regarding London's built environment 06:07 - The significance of the built environment sector in London's economy 07:28 - The potential for independent candidates to succeed in London politics 09:44 - Why politicians struggle to understand London's development challenges 10:10 - The legacy of Ken Livingstone and pragmatism in urban planning 13:28 - The importance of supporting small and local builders 15:08 - The role of community involvement and local engagement 16:33 - The importance of better communication and public trust in development 17:16 - How social media can support development advocacy 20:11 - The influence of political fragmentation and the potential for independent mayoral leadership 23:37 - The possibility of collaboration rather than confrontation with local authorities 24:32 - Reducing conflicts in development processes through dialogue 28:00 - The potential of consensus-building and cross-party collaboration 32:41 - Challenges of densifying suburban London and innovative solutions 33:11 - The role of street-level agreements in development approval 35:23 - How reducing risk for developers can boost London’s housing supply 36:52 - Transforming planning departments into enablers of development 37:19 - The importance of building a sense of London citizenship and unity 38:12 - Advocating for community-building campaigns using London’s assets 39:41 - The importance of promoting London’s identity through symbols like flags and initiatives 40:24 - Fostering a shared London identity to overcome divisions 41:20 - Combating hate and promoting inclusivity in London 42:46 - The role of civic society in shaping the city’s future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talk About London, the focus is on the upcoming council elections in London. Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon are joined by Professor Tony Travers CBE, Director of LSE London at the London School of Economics, and Dr Nick Bowes FRGS, Managing Director, Insight and Public Affairs at LCA, to unpack what’s at stake. Nick has served as a local councillor. The discussion highlights the scale of the elections, with 1,817 representatives set to be elected across 32 borough councils, and explores how local contests often act as a barometer for national political sentiment—raising the prospect of significant shifts in London’s political landscape. Key themes include the fragmentation of traditional party loyalties, the rise of independent candidates, and the complexities of governing a city with increasingly diverse political dynamics. The conversation also examines the implications of councils falling into no overall control, the evolving role of local government, and the importance of experience in elected office. The episode concludes with a reflection on the value of local politicians—and the enduring paradox between public trust in politics and how people ultimately vote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave Hill from OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society talk to Tim Reeve, COO of the V&A, about how culture can shape the future of London—and why it matters for the city’s next generation of places. Drawing on the V&A’s work at East Bank in the Olympic Park, Tim shares how projects like the V&A East Museum and Storehouse are rethinking what a museum can be: open, accessible and embedded in the life of local communities. From behind-the-scenes access to working collections to bold public art, these initiatives are designed to engage new audiences and make culture feel relevant. We explore how this approach is attracting a younger, more diverse audience, helping to rebuild trust in national institutions and demonstrating the role culture can play in social change. The conversation also looks ahead, asking whatLondon's New Towns Enfield and Thamesmead can learn as they develop their own identities. More broadly, Tim reflects on London’s evolving cultural landscape, where activity is no longer concentrated in the centre but spread across the city—creating a more inclusive and dynamic model for the future. If you’re interested in how culture can help shape better places, this episode offers a compelling and practical perspective. 00:00 - Introduction to the V&A East Museum and its mission 01:00 - The family of V&A museums and upcoming East Bank opening 01:46 - The theme of making and East London heritage 02:45 - Location significance and historical context of East Bank 03:04 - Opening date and visitor experience overview 03:32 - Sculpture "A Place Beyond" and its symbolism 04:17 - Collaboration with artist Thomas J. Price and community focus 05:13 - Representation of East London in art and impact of public artworks 06:22 - Inside the new building designed by Dublin-based O'Donnell and Toomey 07:25 - Culinary and architectural features of the V&A East Museum 07:55 - The "We Make" galleries: showcasing collections and new commissions 09:11 - Temporary exhibitions and public programs including Terrace views 09:34 - The success of the Storehouse reserve collection and visitor engagement 10:47 - The innovative approach to behind-the-scenes accessibility 12:12 - Visitor numbers and the cultural significance of expanding access 13:12 - Connecting East London with the national collections and community outreach 14:42 - Demographic insights: young, ethnically diverse visitors 15:46 - The broader Olympic Park legacy and its role in urban regeneration 21:21 - The origin and development of the East Bank cultural quarter post-Olympics 23:39 - Political commitment and the evolution of the cultural vision for London 30:41 - Dispersal of cultural institutions across different London districts 31:30 - Success stories like the Childhood Museum and flagship exhibitions 33:39 - The long-term strategy behind blockbuster exhibitions and innovation 34:49 - Summary and closing thoughts on London's cultural future Resources & Links: Victoria and Albert Museum - Official SiteThomas J. Price - Artist ProfileStorehouse at the V&AV&A East Museum - Official AnnouncementDavid Bowie Archive - Official Site Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s Southbank Centre isn’t just an iconic cultural landmark — it’s a living example of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. In this episode, Elaine Bedell, CEO of the Southbank Centre, reveals how this historic space is navigating today's funding crisis, shifting public priorities, and the urgent need for capital repairs. From pandemic survival strategies to celebrating 75 years of cultural impact, Elaine shares the invisible architecture behind one of the world’s most beloved arts hubs. Discover how the Southbank Centre’s unique leasehold, owned by the government but operated by the community, shapes its future. Elaine uncovers ambitious plans to blend big cultural moments like Danny Boyle’s upcoming anniversary event with grassroots engagement, including skateboarding histories and local poetry tours. She explains why London’s arts infrastructure is vital not only for tourism and identity but as an emotional anchor—especially in a time when political narratives overlook its importance. You’ll learn about the critical need for capital investment in heritage buildings that serve millions annually—buildings that have stood since 1951 but are now facing leaks, structural decay, and outdated infrastructure. Elaine highlights how a thriving capital fuels regional arts, promotes social cohesion, and offers soft skills that transform individuals and communities alike. Perfect for arts administrators, city planners, cultural advocates, and anyone curious about how cultural spaces sustain and reinvent themselves in challenging times, this episode offers a blueprint for preserving public treasures that make cities human, vibrant, and resilient. Join us for a compelling look at how London’s cultural heartbeat continues to beat strong — through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering community spirit. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Southbank Centre's legacy and significance 02:15 - Elaine Bedell's journey to CEO and initial impressions 05:00 - Funding challenges and the impact of government cuts 08:50 - Pandemic response and organizational resilience 13:00 - The cultural role of the Royal Festival Hall and public spaces 17:00 - Need for capital refurbishment and infrastructure concerns 21:20 - Collaboration with skateboarders and community relations 24:30 - Footfall, tourism, and the Centre’s national and international reach 28:45 - Celebrating the 75th anniversary with Danny Boyle and upcoming events 32:00 - Interconnection between London and regional arts initiatives 33:45 - The debate on regional funding and London’s cultural importance 35:30 - Reflections on London’s Olympic legacy and community pride 36:30 - Personal reflections from Elaine about her role and challenges 37:00 - Closing thoughts and upcoming celebrations Resources & Links:Southbank Centre Official WebsiteDanny Boyle’s Creative WorkRoyal Festival Hall - Grade I Listed BuildingNational Poetry LibraryLondon SocietyConnect with Elaine Bedell:LinkedInTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talk About London, hosts Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon discuss the ongoing housing crisis in London with guest Rowan Moore, renown journalist, architecture critic and author. They explore the historical context of the crisis, the role of government in providing affordable housing, and the need for innovative solutions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of viewing housing as a social good and the necessity of rethinking current policies, including the right to buy. The episode also touches on the challenges of micro living and the potential for repurposing existing buildings to address housing shortages. Takeaways London's housing crisis is deeply rooted in historical policies.The current market is failing to provide affordable housing solutions.Public intervention is necessary to address the housing emergency.Housing should be viewed as a social good, not just a commodity.Innovative strategies are needed to utilize existing housing effectively.The right to buy policy may need to be suspended to address housing needs.New towns and greenbelt developments are long-term solutions, not quick fixes.Micro living is not a sustainable solution for housing shortages.Tax incentives could help shift wealth towards affordable housing initiatives.Community engagement is crucial in reshaping housing policies.titles Reshaping London's Housing LandscapeThe Crisis of Affordability in LondonSound Bites "We need to see housing as a social good.""New towns have never happened quickly.""Micro flats are very suspect."Chapters 00:00 Introduction to London's Housing Crisis 01:17 Understanding the Roots of the Housing Emergency 06:56 Exploring Solutions: Public Housing Models 09:57 The Role of Taxation and Financial Incentives 16:31 New Towns and Greenbelt Development 20:01 Housing as Social Infrastructure 25:37 Reassessing Right to Buy and Private Development 29:19 Funding Housing Solutions 32:36 Repurposing Existing Buildings for Housing 39:18 The Debate on Micro Living keywords London housing crisis, affordable housing, public intervention, housing solutions, property market, social infrastructure, housing policies, government role, housing investment, micro living Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talk About London, hosts Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon engage with Professor Greg Clark to explore the global perception of London. They discuss the city's historical significance, its challenges including Brexit and COVID, and the unique issues it faces compared to other major cities. The conversation also touches on London's reputation for crime and housing affordability, its status as a safe haven city, and the importance of government support. Ultimately, they reflect on the London Promise and the need for a balanced approach to growth and equity in the capital. Takeaways London is a city that almost everybody has an opinion on.It has been a leading city in the world for almost 500 years.London's challenges are unique compared to other cities.Brexit and COVID have had significant impacts on London.London's housing affordability crisis is common among successful cities.The perception of crime in London is influenced by media reporting.High net worth individuals are still attracted to London.The UK government has not consistently supported London.The London Promise is becoming harder to keep for many.There is a need for better organization of the Greater Southeast region.titles What the World Thinks About LondonLondon's Global Reputation: A Deep DiveSound Bites "London's challenges are quite unique.""London has a safe haven status.""We need to tackle housing affordability." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to London and Its Global Perception 02:54 London's Historical Significance and Global Recognition 06:12 Challenges Facing London: Brexit, COVID, and Financial Crisis 08:53 Perceptions of Crime and Housing Affordability in London 12:03 Safe Haven Cities: London's Competitive Landscape 15:06 The London Promise: Opportunities and Challenges 17:54 The Role of Government in Supporting London 20:50 The Future of London: Balancing Growth and Equity 23:58 Soft Power and Cultural Influence of London 26:53 Conclusion: The Path Forward for London keywords London, global perception, challenges, Brexit, COVID, housing, crime, safe haven, soft power, cultural influence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talk About London, Leanne Tritton, London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon talk with Muyiwa Oki, the youngest-ever President of the RIBA, about the evolution of architecture — and what London might look like in the future. They discuss whether the age of glass and steel is coming to an end, the rise of sustainable materials, and the collaboration between architects and scientists that could shape a zero-carbon future for London’s built environment. Highlights: The dominance of glass and steel is being re-evaluated.Innovation and sustainability now drive design thinking.Material scientists are key to shaping the next generation of buildings.Zero-carbon concrete and steel are emerging.Collaboration across disciplines is redefining modern architecture. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to London’s Architectural Landscape 00:34 – Challenges Facing the Architecture Profession 00:47 – Conclusion and Future Outlook #Architecture #London #Design #Innovation #Sustainability #RIBA #UrbanFuture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Talk About London, Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon discuss the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation with its chair, Dame Karen Buck. The conversation covers the current state of the development, its significance for London's future, the importance of food production in Park Royal, the role of railway infrastructure, procurement partnerships, community benefits, sustainability efforts, and lessons learned from past regeneration projects. Buck emphasizes the need for flexibility in housing plans and the commitment to providing affordable homes while ensuring local communities benefit from the development. Takeaways The Old Oak and Park Royal area is crucial for London's future. The development aims to create 25,000 homes and economic opportunities. Park Royal is responsible for a third of London's food production. Sustainability is a key focus in the development plans. HS2 will enhance connectivity but is not a prerequisite for development. Procurement partners will be sought to assist in building homes. Local employment opportunities are a priority for the community. The development will include a mix of housing types and tenures. Lessons from past regeneration projects will inform current strategies. Flexibility in planning is essential to adapt to future needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Leanne Tritton, Chair of The London Society, and Dave Hill, founder and editor of OnLondon, are joined by Nicholas Boys-Smith, Chair and founder of Create Streets. Together they explore the state of London’s streets — from rubbish and “street scars” to the vital role they play in health, community life, and civic pride — and discuss what can be done to make them cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for everyone. Episode Running Order & Timestamps 0:00 – 2:00 | Introduction Leanne and Dave set the scene: why the condition of London’s streets matters for everyday life, civic pride, and wellbeing. 2:00 – 4:00 | Guest Introduction Nicholas Boys Smith is introduced. He explains why human-scale, beautiful streets matter so much to how we experience the city. 4:00 – 10:00 | Why Streets Matter How the design and upkeep of streets affect physical and mental health, mobility choices, and daily joy. 10:00 – 20:00 | High Streets and Community The role of high streets as social spaces and economic lifelines. How tidy, well-managed streets encourage local pride and prosperity. 20:00 – 30:00 | Challenges and Solutions Rubbish, commercial waste, potholes, graffiti, and clutter — what’s going wrong? Nicholas highlights practical solutions, from better waste management to community-led action. 30:00 – 40:00 | Cultural and Historical Context London’s historic struggles with dirty streets and how civic attitudes compare to other cities around the world. 40:00 – 50:00 | Social and Political Implications Homelessness, cycling culture, and political responsibility. Should London have a city-wide “clean streets” strategy? 50:00 – End | Conclusion A reflection on the importance of clean, welcoming streets. Call to action for communities, councils, and politicians to put streets at the heart of London’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.