The London Society Podcast

TheLondonSociety
  • 5.0 (2)
  • HISTORY

The London Society is for all those who love London. Our aim is to translate and bring clarity to the complex issues that impact on our ‘built environment’ and ultimately the people who live and work in London. Founded in 1912 by a group of influential Londoners concerned about the lack of vision for the future of the capital, for more than 100 years it has brought people together to debate key issues about the future of London. London needs an independent forum that can act independently to support people in discovering and discussing important matters that face the city. The London Society has been and remains that place. Be part of the revival and listen to the debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Talk About London | The Southbank Centre - London’s favourite public space turns 75

    FEB 6

    Talk About London | The Southbank Centre - London’s favourite public space turns 75

    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that serve millions annually—buildings that have stood since 1951 but are now facing leaks, structural decay, and outdated infrastructure.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.

    36 min
  2. Talk about London | How did we get in this housing mess?

    12/03/2025

    Talk about London | How did we get in this housing mess?

    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.

    39 min
  3. Talk About London | What does the rest of the world think about London?

    11/26/2025

    Talk About London | What does the rest of the world think about London?

    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.

    44 min
  4. Talk About London – Architecture and What Will London Look Like in the Future

    11/03/2025

    Talk About London – Architecture and What Will London Look Like in the Future

    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.

    35 min
  5. Talk About London | Old Oak Common and Park Royal - London's Regeneration Giant

    10/02/2025

    Talk About London | Old Oak Common and Park Royal - London's Regeneration Giant

    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.

    38 min
  6. Talk about London |The State of Our Streets

    09/25/2025

    Talk about London |The State of Our Streets

    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.

    38 min
  7. Talk About London | Planning Basics

    09/09/2025

    Talk About London | Planning Basics

    Hosts Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill,  OnLondon, as they delve into the intricacies of London's planning system with planning expert Mike Kiely. Discover how planning impacts housing, infrastructure, and urban development in the capital city. This episode demystifies the planning process, explores the role of local councils, and discusses the influence of the Mayor of London. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction by Leanne Tritton and Dave Hill 02:15 - The Basics of the Planning System 05:30 - Mike Kiely on Planning Myths and Realities 10:45 - The Role of Planning Officers vs. Planning Committees 15:20 - Zoning Plans vs. Discretionary Systems 20:00 - Community Engagement in Planning 25:30 - The Mayor of London's Influence on Local Plans 30:45 - Challenges and Future of London's Housing Needs 35:00 - The Role of AI in Planning Departments 40:00 - Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways Hashtags: #LondonPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  8. Talk About London| Can Wimbledon expansion make everyone a winner?

    08/22/2025

    Talk About London| Can Wimbledon expansion make everyone a winner?

    Explore the future of world renown Wimbledon in this episode of "Talk About London." Hosts Dave Hill, OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society are joined by Heather Topel, Estate Director for the All England Club, to discuss the ambitious expansion plans that promise to transform the iconic venue. Discover how the development of 38 new grass courts and a 27-acre public park will enhance the Wimbledon experience, offering significant benefits to both the local community and the broader public. Tune in to learn about the balance between tradition and innovation, and the exciting future that lies ahead for this world-renowned sporting event. Key Takeaways: Wimbledon's expansion includes 38 new grass courts and a 27-acre public park, enhancing both the venue and community access.The development aims to balance tradition with innovation, maintaining Wimbledon's iconic status while modernizing its facilities.Significant economic benefits are expected, with job creation and increased public access being key components of the plan.Environmental improvements, such as increased biodiversity and new public spaces, are integral to the project's success.Community concerns are being addressed through careful planning and engagement, ensuring a positive impact on local residents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

The London Society is for all those who love London. Our aim is to translate and bring clarity to the complex issues that impact on our ‘built environment’ and ultimately the people who live and work in London. Founded in 1912 by a group of influential Londoners concerned about the lack of vision for the future of the capital, for more than 100 years it has brought people together to debate key issues about the future of London. London needs an independent forum that can act independently to support people in discovering and discussing important matters that face the city. The London Society has been and remains that place. Be part of the revival and listen to the debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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