The London Society Podcast

In this episode of Talk About London, the focus is on the upcoming council elections in London. Leanne Tritton, The London Society and Dave Hill, OnLondon are joined by Professor Tony Travers CBE, Director of LSE London at the London School of Economics, and Dr Nick Bowes FRGS, Managing Director, Insight and Public Affairs at LCA, to unpack what’s at stake. Nick has served as a local councillor.

The discussion highlights the scale of the elections, with 1,817 representatives set to be elected across 32 borough councils, and explores how local contests often act as a barometer for national political sentiment—raising the prospect of significant shifts in London’s political landscape.

Key themes include the fragmentation of traditional party loyalties, the rise of independent candidates, and the complexities of governing a city with increasingly diverse political dynamics. The conversation also examines the implications of councils falling into no overall control, the evolving role of local government, and the importance of experience in elected office.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the value of local politicians—and the enduring paradox between public trust in politics and how people ultimately vote.
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Dave Hill from OnLondon and Leanne Tritton, The London Society talk to Tim Reeve, COO of the V&A, about how culture can shape the future of London—and why it matters for the city’s next generation of places.

Drawing on the V&A’s work at East Bank in the Olympic Park, Tim shares how projects like the V&A East Museum and Storehouse are rethinking what a museum can be: open, accessible and embedded in the life of local communities. From behind-the-scenes access to working collections to bold public art, these initiatives are designed to engage new audiences and make culture feel relevant.

We explore how this approach is attracting a younger, more diverse audience, helping to rebuild trust in national institutions and demonstrating the role culture can play in social change. The conversation also looks ahead, asking whatLondon's New Towns Enfield and Thamesmead can learn as they develop their own identities.

More broadly, Tim reflects on London’s evolving cultural landscape, where activity is no longer concentrated in the centre but spread across the city—creating a more inclusive and dynamic model for the future.

If you’re interested in how culture can help shape better places, this episode offers a compelling and practical perspective.

00:00 - Introduction to the V&A East Museum and its mission
01:00 - The family of V&A museums and upcoming East Bank opening
01:46 - The theme of making and East London heritage
02:45 - Location significance and historical context of East Bank
03:04 - Opening date and visitor experience overview
03:32 - Sculpture "A Place Beyond" and its symbolism
04:17 - Collaboration with artist Thomas J. Price and community focus
05:13 - Representation of East London in art and impact of public artworks
06:22 - Inside the new building designed by Dublin-based O'Donnell and Toomey
07:25 - Culinary and architectural features of the V&A East Museum
07:55 - The "We Make" galleries: showcasing collections and new commissions
09:11 - Temporary exhibitions and public programs including Terrace views
09:34 - The success of the Storehouse reserve collection and visitor engagement
10:47 - The innovative approach to behind-the-scenes accessibility
12:12 - Visitor numbers and the cultural significance of expanding access
13:12 - Connecting East London with the national collections and community outreach
14:42 - Demographic insights: young, ethnically diverse visitors
15:46 - The broader Olympic Park legacy and its role in urban regeneration
21:21 - The origin and development of the East Bank cultural quarter post-Olympics
23:39 - Political commitment and the evolution of the cultural vision for London
30:41 - Dispersal of cultural institutions across different London districts
31:30 - Success stories like the Childhood Museum and flagship exhibitions
33:39 - The long-term strategy behind blockbuster exhibitions and innovation
34:49 - Summary and closing thoughts on London's cultural future

Resources & Links:
Victoria and Albert Museum - Official Site
Thomas J. Price - Artist Profile
Storehouse at the V&A
V&A East Museum - Official Announcement
David Bowie Archive - Official Site
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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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