Mayor sadiq Khan unveils ambitious Town Architects program to revitalize London’s high streets
Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced the launch of a two-year pilot scheme designed to enhance public spaces across the capital.
Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced the launch of a two-year pilot scheme designed to enhance public spaces across the capital.
This initiative, detailed in a recent press release from the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, introduces a team of ten built environment experts, known as ‘Town Architects,’ to support boroughs in their efforts to create more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighborhoods.
The Town Architects program is part of the Mayor’s £1.25 million Local Growth Capacity Support Programme, aimed at empowering local authorities to foster economic growth and improve urban design. “We know that high streets are struggling and the need to make them more attractive, sustainable and enjoyable places to live in and visit is as vital as ever,” Khan emphasized, underscoring the urgency of the initiative in light of recent data showing increased demand for knowledge sharing and upskilling within local boroughs.
These experts, selected from the Mayor’s diverse panel of Design Advocates, will collaborate directly with Chief Placeshaping Officers and Design Champions to evaluate project proposals and formulate strategic visions for local areas. Their expertise encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including architecture, master planning, and public realm design, ensuring a comprehensive approach to urban revitalization.
The Town Architects program aims to fill critical gaps in capacity within local authorities, enhancing in-house skills and expertise to promote quality and inclusion in the built environment. This initiative aligns with the Mayor’s Good Growth by Design principles, which advocate for economically and socially inclusive urban development.
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Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, “We are pleased to be launching this pilot scheme to promote the future development of key areas in the capital. By drawing on the expertise of the Mayor’s Design Advocates, local boroughs will have the support they need to boost design quality and promote positive neighbourhood placemaking, helping to build a better and more sustainable London for everyone.”
Among the appointed Town Architects is Holly Lewis, a Design Advocate and Director of We Made That. “I’m thrilled to have the chance to continue to support the London Borough of Hackney in my new role as Town Architect,” Lewis stated. “Hackney Central is just one of many places in London experiencing rapid change, with many exciting projects underway. With the support of this programme, I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside the borough in achieving the best possible outcomes for Hackney’s diverse communities.”
Suzanne Johnston, Interim Director of Economy, Regeneration and New Homes at Hackney Council, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about collaborating with Lewis. “We’re passionate about the need for good design in our built environment. Whether it’s promoting high-quality buildings and public spaces or ensuring that Hackney Central is inclusive and easy to get around, Holly’s considerable expertise will complement the Council’s own in-house design expertise, to make sure Hackney’s buildings and public spaces work for everyone.”
As the Town Architects program takes shape, Londoners can expect a renewed focus on enhancing their urban environment, fostering not only economic growth but also a sense of community and inclusion.