- Date Wednesday, 1 April 2026
Discover what Better Bankside has planned for Bankside London in 2026-27
Better Bankside is entering an exciting new chapter, as we have unveiled our programme for 2026-27, packed with new public art, business support initiatives, sustainability commitments and community-led events. Here’s everything coming to Bankside this year.
Public art, cultural experiences and a stronger Bankside identity
Better Bankside has always had a spirit of otherness, and this year’s programme is designed to amplify it. In a landmark collaboration with Tate Modern, eight new pieces of public art will arrive in Bankside’s streets and spaces, cementing the neighbourhood’s reputation as one of London’s most creatively vibrant destinations. An Alchemist in Residence will create unexpected cultural experiences across the area. From Arch 23 to the Low Line and beyond, giving both visitors and locals new reasons to explore.
Digital storytelling will shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Bankside distinct, reinforcing the ‘London’s Other Side’ identity that sets the neighbourhood apart from the rest of the capital. Bankside Connects, the neighbourhood’s popular debate series led by local thought leaders will evolve this year, tackling boundary-pushing, business-critical themes. A highlight will be a half-day intergenerational working summit bringing together 50 senior leaders and young professionals to explore the future of work.
Better Bankside helping local businesses thrive
Bankside’s businesses are navigating real and complex pressures; rising operational costs, hybrid working challenges, talent retention and the rapid pace of technological change. Better Bankside’s 2026-27 programme has been built with all of this in mind.
The Buzz Card, Better Bankside’s popular local loyalty scheme is getting a major upgrade, relaunching as an app to make it easier than ever for Bankside businesses and workers to benefit from local offers and keep the Bankside pound in Bankside.
A new local procurement pilot, developed in partnership with the Royal College of Arts, will help businesses source goods and services locally and sustainably. The skills and training offer is also expanding significantly, with new courses and tailored learning pathways in EDI, ESG and AI available through the SEEDL platform with ambition to double the number of Bankside businesses and individuals benefiting this year.
New public spaces and volunteering opportunities in Bankside
2026-27 will bring visible, lasting change to Bankside’s public spaces. The pedestrianisation of America Street on the Low Line will create 150m² of brand new public space and improve air quality for everyone in the neighbourhood. The Hope Exchange will also be transformed, with new public art, seating and planting.
Volunteering in Bankside is getting a significant boost. More opportunities will be available for businesses and individuals to give back to the community. Building on the success of Bankside Futures, a new partnership with the Central London Careers Hub will offer expanded work experience initiatives to connect more young Londoners to the world of work deepening relationships with local schools and colleges across Southwark.
Sustainability in Bankside: Going further in 2026-27
Better Bankside has a strong track record on sustainability and this year the ambition goes further than ever.
An additional 100m² of climate-resilient greening will be delivered on America Street and at a major new or refurbished site. One hundred Bankside businesses will be supported to take meaningful steps towards sustainability, with a focus on growth rather than carbon reduction alone. A new circular economy collaboration will explore smarter, more sustainable procurement across the neighbourhood. Better Bankside is also exploring achieving a sustainability accreditation potentially BCorp to ensure its own practices lead by example.
A safer, more welcoming Bankside for everyone
Better Bankside is breaking new ground with a dedicated research project exploring perceptions of safety in Bankside with a particular focus on the experiences of women and girls who work, live and visit the area. The findings will directly shape inclusive design across public realm projects and influence other organisations shaping the neighbourhood.
A new intelligence-sharing platform, Shop Safe Alert, will launch to help Bankside businesses take a coordinated, neighbourhood-wide approach to crime prevention. The Bankside Community Wardens will continue their vital, reassuring presence on the streets. The four Bankside Inclusion Networks will grow and evolve throughout the year, with programming aligned to key moments including International Women’s Day, Pride, and Black History Month.
Better Bankside enters 2026-27 in a strong position
Better Bankside enters year two of its fifth term with strong foundations in place. This is the first full year working to the direction of a newly co-designed five-year strategy, and the groundwork laid in 2025-26 has lined up a raft of new projects and initiatives ready to launch.
From public art and place activation to business support, sustainability and community safety, the 2026-27 programme reflects the ambition and diversity of Bankside and the commitment to making it one of the best places in the capital to work, visit and do business.
