The area was previously dubbed "London's scrapyard" by Sowmya Parthasarathy, urban designer at Arup who worked on the Olympic Park for more than a decade. The site was home to light industry, dominated by overhead powerlines, and was broken up by rivers, roads and railways.
'With the recent news that the building's redevelopment is on track for autumn 2027, our inbox has been overflowing with residents asking if we'll be involved,' says the Castle in a statement.
The Victorian building is set to become a 2,300-capacity venue, which the company says will showcase 'a wide range of artists'. The building dates back to 1896, when it was used as a theatre and opera house, before closing its doors in 1933. After that, it became a cinema - though this, too, closed in 1969.
The Exchange is a community hub powered by North Paddington Foodbank who are the UK's first and only cash-first foodbank. Instead of offering food parcels, the foodbank gives out cash and vouchers instead, creating real routes out of crisis. This in turn helps foodbanks evolve into hubs of culture, care and community.
At Troubadour, we are driven by a belief in creating extraordinary spaces that inspire artists, audiences, and the stories they come together to share. The 3,000 seat venue is to be built in Greenwich Securing planning permission for the new Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre marks a major milestone for us, and an exciting new chapter in our commitment to bold, large-scale live performance.
In October last year, permission was given by councillors in London to turn the iconic Trocadero building into a two-storey casino and restaurant. Situated on Coventry Street, it is perfectly situated between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. This meeting place and bustling hub has long been at the heart of London's entertainment scene.
The road between Piccadilly Circus and St James's Park could be transformed into a massive public plaza and vehicles could be banned from Regent Street St James's, Waterloo Place and the south side of Piccadilly Circus. If the proposals are enacted, the pedestrianisation of certain roads would lead to more than 35,000 square metres of new public space, equivalent to more than five football pitches, created in the West End.
Step inside Don't Tell Dad and you're immediately greeted by a warm, low-lit vintage atmosphere. When we arrived, a funky soundtrack was drifting over dark wood floors, while super-comfy olive-green velvet banquettes, booths, and bar stools offered a front-row view of the kitchen in action. Wood panels with coloured glass windows, marble-topped tables set with linen napkins, and vintage cutlery and candle holders hint at 1930s Art Deco elegance, while oval mirrors and playful statement lighting reinforce the space's French bistro vibes.
Creating workplace facilities that reflect relevance to the constant evolving changes of working patterns. Organisations need to think about balancing flexibility with functionality by integrating technology that can simplify things without any complications, whilst designing spaces that are diverse when it comes to different working styles. As traditional office attendance makes make for hybrid models, facilities now need to reimagine their spaces as a purposeful destination rather than a default location.
The Hackney Half is one of the most popular races in the city, which means getting a spot at the event is no easy feat. Good thing then that another half marathon will be hosted in east London this year. After the success of the Run Shoreditch 10K, the organisers (the very same behind the Hackney Half, the Oxford Half and the Saucony London 10K) are turning it onto a half distance race for 2026.
We've been excited about the potential of this project for some time. Built on a foundation of unique programming, ambitious production, and obsessive attention to detail, Open-Air sits on the bank of the River Thames at Greenwich Peninsula, bringing people closer to London's iconic skyline than ever before.
But saving up doesn't mean resigning yourself to weekends full of nothing. Especially in London. Sure, there are countless things in the city that can very easily tempt you to part with your cash, but there are also plenty of art exhibitions, cultural festivals and annual gatherings happening this weekend that are completely free of charge. Even if you're not trying to be money conscious right now, they're worth your time.
I am delighted that the once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has reached another key milestone with the submission of the planning application for its transformation. The 15hectare site, opened in 1964, is set for a revamp of its athletics stadium, indoor arena, and swimming and diving facilities.
When modern UK rap great Dave first announced plans for a UK arena tour last October, the demand for tickets in London was so high that he quickly doubled his number of shows in the capital. The Boy Who Played the Harp Tour is at the O2 Arena for a whopping four dates - and they kick off this weekend.
We've been exploring what nightlife looks like in London outside of the traditional nightclubs, and here comes the Barbican with a brand-new late-night party series. The 'anyone can dance' events will be a celebration of diaspora, community and joy, with the Level -1 foyer space turning into a dancefloor open until 3am. The series is kicking off on Fri 20th February with a night curated by Eastern Margins, a collective that celebrates alternative East and South East Asian creativity and culture.
Our team would like to thank the residents and stakeholders who engaged with us throughout the planning process, sharing both feedback and support. We're pleased with the outcome, which recognises the cultural and social value of the Brockwell Live series, alongside the significant economic contribution it makes to Lambeth and Greater London, particularly at a time when night-time and creative economies across the country face increasing pressure.
The City of London Corporation described the resulting plan as 'sensitive, conservation-led, yet future facing'. Changes will be made to the Barbican's famous Conservatory, beloved among Londoners for its lush greenery, to address long-standing maintenance issues and to improve accessibility. This will include a new lift (providing step-free access to the fly tower for the first time) and stairs up to the Conservatory's raised balconies, offering eye-popping views over the flora below.
A new listening bar has opened in Walthamstow, bringing Japanese-inspired interiors, a carefully curated sound system and a seriously strong drinks list to the neighbourhood. The Olfa Club offers 27 wines by the glass, with prices starting from a fiver, alongside a mineralised water menu, plus a record player for guests who want to bring their own vinyl or dip into the in-house selection.
The growth of indoor, technology-led venues in central London is reshaping how busy professionals engage with the game, making it more accessible, measurable and aligned with the performance-driven culture of the City. Across areas such as Moorgate, Liverpool Street and Bank, indoor golf spaces are emerging that allow professionals to practise, train and improve without needing to leave central London.