Culture Group Live at London Bridge Hive

Hosted by our Director of Arts, Ellie Beedham, Culture Group Live was held at our brand new Hive space at 8 Holyrood Street, SE1 on 11th May.

Over 30 Team London Bridge members joined us for lively, dynamic breakfast meeting featuring updates from Team London Bridge and our partners. It was great to see the Hive abuzz with established BID members and new faces, all working across arts, events and heritage delivery in the London Bridge area.

The session kicked off with an overview from our Placeshaping Director Jack Skillen, highlighting the key sustainability work being delivered by the BID. Local projects which have been developed over many years including, greening and gardening projects with pop up and pocket gardens, plus the installation of green walls and new seating areas to relax in nature abundant spaces. Currently Team London Bridge is working with Xtonnes to assess the carbon footprint of the businesses in the area and developing a strategy for carbon reduction to 2030 in line with Southwark council’s declaration of a climate emergency. If you would like to know more please contact jack@teamlondonbridge.co.uk

We were also joined by Ted Davies from MP Smarter travel; the organisation responsible for our Bikes for Business scheme. Ted explained the many ways that companies can get involved to benefit from cargo bike deliveries and to minimise road traffic emissions. Each business is eligible for up to £700 for switching to using cargo bikes instead of vans - not just for couriers, but for any service that can be done by bike, and that includes laundry, catering and window cleaners! If you would like to know more speak to ted.davies@mpsmartertravel.co.uk. Cathy Watts also presented about the London Business Hub offering free and impartial business support to small business (more information at wayfinder@businesshub.london) Michelle Butler, Arts Officer from Southwark council provided an update including the relaunch of Southwark Creative Network and information on the new tender to run the Canada Water Space.

There was a chance to hear about some of the coming  highlights in the area including Jubilee events,  shows, exhibitions, the new Family Dayz Festival at Potters Fields Park (23/24 July), performances at The Scoop as part of the Summer by the River festival and the vibrant 2 day Hip Hop Weekender on 6th and 7th of  August all making up the busy and varied programme which continues to showcase London Bridge as a main stage for culture.

Members of Culture Group include local theatres managers, residents, landowners, asset managers, visitor attraction marketing managers, arts producers, artist/makers and festival directors.

If you’d like to join us we meet twice a year to share information and build new projects together. Please contact Ellie on ellie@teamlondonbridge.co.uk