The London Society Podcast

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that serve millions annually—buildings that have stood since 1951 but are now facing leaks, structural decay, and outdated infrastructure.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 Website
Danny Boyle’s Creative Work
Royal Festival Hall - Grade I Listed Building
National Poetry Library
London Society
Connect with Elaine Bedell:
LinkedIn
Twitter

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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 Landscape
The Crisis of Affordability in London
Sound 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
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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 London
London's Global Reputation: A Deep Dive
Sound 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

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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

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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.

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