We help build better cities through knowledge, networks and leadership
Co-design with residents in Barking’s Gascoigne neighbourhood has produced a great shared-use space with life beyond its temporary home. Be First planner and Leaders Plus alumna Emma Thorpe shares how they did it.
Empowering residents and increasing equality and inclusion can boost community cohesion – as well as keep communities resilient in tough times. In this case study of Grahame Park in Barnet, we explore the benefits of investment in community development programmes, and how they’ve flexed in lockdown.
Case study exploring how a temporary parklet in Fitzrovia, Central London has helped foster a sense of community and connect commuters with local residents and businesses, even during the pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic people of all ages now spend more time outdoors – and the public realm has taken on a new significance in community life. As we look towards a post-pandemic future, this case study explores Thamesmead, the lessons we can learn from how communities have used outside spaces during lockdown and how landscape-led placemaking prioritises and strengthens community.
Community hubs are an important element of social infrastructure, but, as physical meeting spaces, they have experienced huge challenges during the pandemic. Using Acton Gardens Community Centre as a case study, we reflect on the role of community hubs in typical times’, and ask how they can continue to support communities as we navigate the ‘new normal’.
Our new briefing paper covers best practice for estate renewal in London and how to overcome common obstacles, based on input from the capital’s housing experts.
The Packington Estate in LB Islington is around half way through an eight-year, six-phase redevelopment programme; we visited the estate on 15th October to check on its progress.
On 5th March, Future of London visited Thamesmead and Abbey Wood with member organisation Peabody, to hear about estate renewal, Crossrail and Housing Zones in this large riverside area.
Our November conference takes a two-pronged approach to identifying effective ways forward in estate regeneration: at the strategic level and at the front line.