As part of the draft plan for the development of London, Mayor Ken Livingstone has clarified his vision for the cultural development of the city, and committed to developing a sustainable and inclusive Cultural Strategy offering the widest possible access to cultural activity for the greatest number of people.
The London Plan, which prioritises economic growth, social inclusivity and fundamental improvements to the transport infrastructure and the environment, is described as helping to develop the ?spatial framework? for the development of that forthcoming Strategy. Specifically, the draft London Plan advocates nine key cultural goals, several of which relate to the protection and enhancement of London?s existing major arts, cultural and entertainment facilities and improvements in their accessibility. The proposed developments at the South Bank are endorsed, and support for cultural areas such as Greenwich Riverside, the South Kensington Museums Complex and the West End is emphasised. Protection for the city?s built heritage, listed buildings, conservation areas and heritage sites is proposed, as is greater public access to major new landmark buildings. Cultural tourism is to be encouraged, with support for London?s ?specialist leisure activities? through the designation of Cultural Quarters and Tourism Action Zones.
Regeneration objectives are to be achieved through the development of cultural quarters containing low-cost workspace which aim to act as seed-beds for talent, promote community development and support diverse communities. New arts, cultural or entertainment projects will be located at points of high public transport accessibility, particularly in town centres, and especially in East London where the regeneration imperative is strongest. There is a recommendation for the adoption of a ?Percent for Art? policy to ensure that developers help fund cultural provision in smaller developments: and cultural facilities would be required in all major mixed-use developments.
Ken Livingstone said ?London is a dynamic powerful and living city, one of the leading commercial and financial cities in the world and the engine of the UK economy. As a magnet for jobs and investment, national and international migration, our city has been growing rapidly over the last 15 years and is set to absorb a population of 700,000, the size of the city of Leeds, in the next decade and a half. Growth on this scale poses unique opportunities and challenges. It could add pressure to existing housing, public health, homelessness, unemployment, poverty and social exclusion problems in the capital or it could be used to benefit Londoners. My plan is to use growth to help solve London?s problems. This means more intensive use of available land, higher densities and re-use of brownfield sites.?
The draft London Plan is published for consultation. Londoners are invited to respond by September 30. For more information contact the Public Liaison Unit t: 020 7983 4100