The London Society

The British Toilet Association (BTA) has today launched a ‘Legalise Loos’ campaign to make public toilet provision a legal requirement for government and councils. Currently, local authorities are responsible for the provision for public toilets, but this is an optional provision and not a mandatory requirement. More information can be found on the Society blog: https://lnkd.in/eCaD_NRE Legalise Loos

TOUR | The Rebirth of Walworth Town Hall Join the London Society for an exclusive tour of the beautifully restored Walworth Town Hall, a landmark reborn through the visionary work of Feix&Merlin and creative real estate developer General Projects, in partnership with Southwark Council. Tickets: https://lnkd.in/e5Tbz5YY

Thanks to our trustee Clare Delmar for reminding us of this wonderful programme focused on the Thames called 'In Search of Arcadia'. Oringinally on BBC 4 and now on YouTube. https://lnkd.in/e9FYG9Bp

Join us on 19th March for an evening of discussion at Space House, a Grade II-listed modernist landmark, as we explore the challenges and opportunities involved in preserving and adapting modernist buildings in London. Tickets: https://lnkd.in/ezkiMckD As the city continues to evolve, the role of modernist architecture in its future remains a key question. Originally designed by Sir Richard Seifert, Space House demonstrates how heritage buildings can be sensitively reimagined to meet contemporary needs. Its recent refurbishment highlights the balance between conservation and innovation, making it a fitting venue for this conversation. The panel will feature key figures in London’s modernist building redesign, including: Seaforth – the developer behind the Space House transformation SQUIRE AND PARTNERS LLP – architects reknowned for their reuse and refurbishment projects Donald Insall Associates – conservation specialists Atelier Ten – environmental design consultants and engineers Panellists will share insights into the project’s approach to working with listed modernist buildings, from addressing technical and regulatory challenges to integrating sustainable design solutions. The discussion will provide valuable perspectives on the future of modernist architecture in London and how these structures can continue to contribute to the city’s built environment. You will also have the opportunity to go on a building tour with key members of the design team and enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of London. In the build up to this event, please feel free to share via social media:  #LondonSociety2024  #LoveLondon @londonsoc 

The London Society is recruiting two new trustees. If you are interested in helping to shape London, please apply. https://lnkd.in/eh8MRRAN

Continuing the The London Society series investigating solutions to the housing crisis, I attach a link to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee session on Housing Associations, Development and Finance. An important and informative session Chaired by Florence Eshalomi. It covered the challenges that housing associations (or Registered Providers RP's) are facing in financing new homes as well as the issues around the increasing costs of maintenance. In summary, it's tough. Neil Jefferson was there to put forward the view of the Home Builders Federation, who currently provide a large proportion of social homes. There appears to be an issue with homes that are currently being provided by housebuilders not meeting the future needs of RP's. RP's are reluctant to take on these homes as they will need extensive and expensive retrofitting in the future. On the other side, SME builders are having trouble finding local RP's who can take on the homes they are building through section 106. The end result is less homes being delivered. As a layperson, (and perhaps naively) I was left wondering why both of these problems can't be solved by better direct communication between the two groups? Fellow London Society trustee Dave Hill has written an excellent piece on the session featuring Fiona Fletcher Smith, Kate Henderson, Holly Dagnall, Martyn Gimber, Fiona Macgregor, Chris Buckle. #housing #london #ukhousing #socialhousing https://lnkd.in/e65JBvn3

Good news from The British Museum who have announced the winner of its competition to design new visitor welcome pavilions for the Museum’s central London site.   The chosen project was submitted by a team led by Studio Weave, with Wright & Wright Architects, Webb Yates Engineers, Tom Massey Studio and Daisy Froud.   The team will now work with the British Museum and local partners to develop the designs and prepare a planning application, with new pavilions expected to be in place by spring 2026.   For more information: https://lnkd.in/eYRHGvuX The British Museum  

Following on from the housing talk we hosted at BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) with Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway, our trustee, Dave Hill has written about his visit to Southern Housing, David Clifford Court in Purley. https://lnkd.in/ekdYN9b8 #socialhousing #housing #london

More on housing. Dave Hill's article on the state of housing makes grim reading but it forms an important role in shining a light on the scale of the problem. #housing

The recent debate hosted by The London Society and hosted by BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd) raised significant issues about social housing supply, design, maintenance and care for the people who live in those homes. To assist anyone who would like to learn more about the issue, we would like to draw your attention to the recent report by the Centre for Cities on Restarting Housebuilding - Social Housing and the Public Sector. https://lnkd.in/eAiHbREQ Robert Fiehn Dave Hill Richard Blakeway Heather Thomas Kathryn Tombling Kyle Buchanan #housing #londonhousing #health