Welcome to your South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours newsletter.
This newsletter contains:
Summary of the Green Infrastructure Policy discussion at the SoWN Forum in June
International Arts Partnership - community archive workshop - this Thursday!
Free events for local young film makers with the BFI this August
Spotlight on... SoWN member Raewyn Blade Sprinz
News: Outstanding Oasis, Coin Street Stories, The Old Vic Backstage
Waterloo Festival: some images from the Waterloo Festival which took place last weekend.
South Bank and Waterloo Forum, Green Infrastructure Strategy feedback
Thanks to everyone who could attend the SoWN Forum on 27 June. We were grateful for the hosting by Sustainable Ventures on the 5th floor of County Hall. We learnt that Sustainable Ventures is Europe's largest hub of climate tech businesses.
We discussed making South Bank and Waterloo a fairer and greener neighbourhood by 2030.
Jackson Bylett, our Net Zero Programme Lead presented an update on the projects being
delivered under the Fairer and Greener Neighbourhood Strategy.
Afterwards there was a group discussion about the proposed Green Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to enhance green spaces in South Bank and Waterloo to improve biodiversity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
The Green Infrastructure Strategy is part-funded by SoWN, via the Neighbourhood Community Investment Levy (NCiL) funding which Lambeth have made available to us. SoWN is really delighted that this is one of the first projects coming forward under this funding stream.
We were asked to provide feedback on where greening could be enhanced and how we could work together to deliver this. Responses emphasised the need for effective communication and collaboration on this project.
They highlighted balancing new green spaces with maintaining existing ones, suggesting projects like greening Doon Street Car Park, adding more roadside parklets, and converting parking garages into green spaces. Key locations for enhancement include Stamford Street, Forum Magnum Square, Whitehouse Apartments, and Emma Cons Gardens. Collaboration with Lambeth and Southwark Councils, and local businesses and institutions was seen as essential.
Participants proposed community initiatives such as training programmes, voluntary green care days, and engaging schools in greening efforts. The feedback highlighted the importance of beautiful and well-maintained greening measures to create a thriving green network in South Bank and Waterloo.
Watch this space for more rollouts of our initiative to make Waterloo and Southbank once of the fairest, greenest and most sustainable parts of London!
International Arts Partnership - community archive workshop, Thursday 18 July
International Arts Partnership are running a Community Archive Workshop for the exhibition 'Working Lives' - a community exhibition celebrating the recent history of Lower Marsh, Waterloo, and Lambeth.
The workshop is on Thursday the 18th of July at 2:30pm in Waterloo Action Centre's Rear Hall. A creative workshop using audio recording and creative writing to record the participant's memories and experiences of the area.
Refreshments will be provided on the day, so let the team know if you have any allergies.
If you're interested in the workshop, or just being involved in the project in general, please contact Aggie at aggie@international-arts.eu
Free BFI events for local young film makers in August
Whisper Folklore Filmmaking Workshop
8 - 11 year olds
5 to 8 August, 10:30-16:00
To claim a free space, use the promo code MINIFREE
Exquisite Corpse Filmmaking Workshop
8 - 11 year olds
19 to 22 August, 10:30-16:00
To claim a free space, use the promo code MINIFREE
Folklore Storytelling and Filmmaking Workshop
12 - 16 year olds
12- to 15 August, 10:30-16:00
To claim a free space, use the promo code YOUNGFREE
Exquisite Corpse Filmmaking Workshop
12 - 16 year olds
27 to 30 August, 10:30-16:00
To claim a free space, use the promo code YOUNGFREE
Spotlight on... SoWN member Raewyn Blade Sprinz
How long have you been part of SoWN?
Since its initiation about 8 years ago.
What do you love about the South Bank and Waterloo?
Being in the heart of this great city … living beside the river Thames, opposite the Palace of Westminster, and hearing Big Ben.
My professional life has been in the theatre, so I love being within walking distance of theatres, art galleries, Southbank Centre concert halls, exhibitions / British Museum, Ronnie Scott's … and of course the convenience of Waterloo station and all its connections.
Where’s your favourite place to eat around the neighborhood?
For treats, Sticky Mango, a South East Asian food restaurant on Coin Street, that used to be the “RSJ”.
There’s also excellent lunchtime street food on Lower Marsh, as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants.
Who’s your hero/heroine?
Oooo … a difficult one … Hero’s a big word, and I’ve had so many over the decades … from inspiring teachers (mine were music), sporting greats (Seb Coe and John Walker) to wonderful actors, singers, writers and musicians (I was lucky enough to work with John Williams).
But closer to home, how about some of the “heroes” of this area, who have for many years battled to preserve the Southbank / Waterloo area from Corporate challenges and developments totally inappropriate alongside a residential community. Many of these people are the strong energy of SoWN.
What would you like to say to the people of South Bank and Waterloo?
Aren’t we lucky to live in such a busy and stimulating part of London ? But such vibrancy obviously attracts a lot of visitors and tourists … roughly over 32 million a year, I believe. Wonderful … but this area is our “home", and with so many major current changes and a growing population, we still want to see it keep its character at the same time that it expands with amenities and infrastructure that improve residential life, as well as a burgeoning commercial sector.
I'm currently involved with a “Southbank & Waterloo Green Spaces” group, who are promoting maintenance and awareness of the importance for this area’s precious green spaces. The Lambeth area is known to be one of London’s boroughs with the least amount of open park space for peace and relaxation.
If you are interested, there are multiple opportunities to become involved in a “green” project in your area.
Who would you like to nominate for the next Spotlight?
Helen Lees… a spirited woman, who has done wonderful things for Archbishop’s Park for several years.
News
Outstanding Oasis
Congratulations to Oasis Academy South Bank for receiving an overall Outstanding rating in their recent Ofsted Report.
The inspector notes that pupils flourish at OASB, they are proud to be part of the strong and caring school community and the school has high expectations for all pupils to succeed and grow into knowledgeable and confident individuals.
Well done everyone at Oasis!
Coin Street Stories
To mark 40 years since Coin Street Community Builders began, Coin Street is collecting stories from people who have been part of the Coin Street journey. You can view the first Coin Street Stories here.
The team are keen to hear from anyone with a Coin Street story to tell - whether you knew Coin Street in the early days or if you use the services now - they'd love to hear about your experience.
You can find details of how to submit a story here.
The Old Vic Backstage update
The Old Vic team are delighted to have completed a number of structural milestones; including installation of the basement
steel structure and ground floor slab, the installation of the precast stairs and the completion of the block work to
the staircore.
Next they'll be focussing on preparing the site and structure to receive the timber frame. Additional scaffolding will be erected to create the new block and brick work Webber Street elevation.
They'll keep us updated as the work progresses.
Waterloo Festival 2024
The Waterloo Festival took place at St John's last weekend. It included a fantastic range of exhibitions and events working with local partners, including music from Coin Street and art exhibitions from Morley College students. There was a great buzz and a coming together of different Waterloo Communities.
There is an exhibition in St John's Churchyard of sculpture by the London Group, until 11th August. Highly recommended!
