South Bank – Southwark News

Royal Festival Hall set to receive millions from central government for urgent repairs ahead of Harry Styles’ Meltdown Festival

Staff Reporter — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:08:40 +0000

The Southbank Centre is set to receive £10 million from a capital grant to make critical repairs on the Royal Festival Hall ahead of its 75th birthday celebrations, writes Oliver London… After 75 years of hosting legendary acts such as Count Basie, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix, the Royal Festival Hall is to receive financial […]

Southbank Centre appeals for Festival of Britain memories in 75th anniversary year

Evie Flynn — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:17:25 +0000

The Southbank Centre has launched a nationwide appeal for memories of the Festival of Britain, which took place on London’s South Bank and at events across the country in 1951. The Festival of Britain was a four-month national exhibition and fair intended to be a “tonic for the nation” following years of war and hardship. […]

Neil Coyle’s column: ‘My thoughts on housing, foodbanks and this year’s local election’

Columnist — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:45:00 +0000

Housing is the number one issue local people raise with me so it is brilliant to be ‘breaking ground’ this week, the builders’ term for beginning the work for 338 new council homes on the Bermondsey site of the old Peek Freans Biscuit Factory.? Southwark’s Labour council has built more homes in the last five […]

SE1 named as one of the best postcodes to live in

Evie Flynn — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:14:50 +0000

SE1 is one of seven London locations featured on The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 list. Stretching from Bermondsey to Waterloo, taking in Elephant and Castle, Borough, South Bank, Blackfriars and Bankside it has been hailed for its amazing cultural offerings, food and landmarks. Richmond was named as the best place to live […]

Coin Street’s affordable housing on the South Bank and Borough Market as a foodie paradise are the two glorious legacies George leaves behind

Issy Clarke — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:32:31 +0000

Born a year after World War II in Borough, amid the bombed-out buildings and industrial landscape of the area, George Nicholson went on to ensure local people were given affordable homes while transforming the fortunes of Borough Market. The 79-year-old recently died on 1 February. A campaigner and local politician he fought tirelessly to get […]

Southbank Centre faces a £50m repair backlog – with water pooling on top of the Royal Festival Hall

Evie Flynn — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:14:39 +0000

The Southbank Centre is struggling to fund major repairs to its ageing buildings – including a leaking roof at the Royal Festival Hall. Elaine Bedell, chief executive of the Southbank Centre for nine years, is seeking £30 million from the government, after a report revealed the Royal Festival Hall alone is in need of £50 […]

New ‘placemaking manager’ appointed to Better Bankside to create ‘streets that feel more vibrant and resilient’

News Desk — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Better Bankside has announced the appointment of Leo Charleson, saying he joins the Business Improvement District at a ‘pivotal’ time for its ambitious plans to physically change streets in the area, writes Romilly Schulte... His role will include working on an urban art collaboration with the Tate Modern, plans to develop America Street and reimagine […]

Iconic Tracey Emin artwork showcased across London as Tate Modern exhibition opens today

News Desk — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Tracey Emin’s art will be displayed in 22 locations across 11 boroughs as her Tate Modern Exhibition opens today (Friday February 27), writes Tom Appleby… Emin’s neon artwork has been showcased across London ahead of the new Tate Modern exhibition A Second Life. The designs which free to visit and display poignant messages expressed in […]

Southbank Centre was once voted Britain’s ugliest building now it is getting listed status

Evie Flynn — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:16:38 +0000

The Southbank Centre, which was once voted Britain’s ugliest building, has finally been granted Grade II listed status after a 35-year campaign. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has ruled that the 1960s Brutalist building will be granted protected status, meaning any proposed alterations will be subject to strict heritage regulations The Twentieth Century […]

Borough welcomes new street food market showcasing nine independent vendors

Evie Flynn — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:41:30 +0000

FLAV’R Street Food has officially opened in the railway arches just off Southwark Bridge Road, brining together eight global food vendors and a bar open every seven days a week. The space offers traders, many of whom previously operated lunchtime street food stalls elsewhere, the opportunity to run permanent kitchens and serve customers beyond the […]