Research from The Bartlett School of Planning supports London Assembly report on social value

The London Assembly has published a report recommending the Mayor of London, Greater London Authority and Places for London (Transport for London’s property arm) integrate social value into their various planning and regeneration agendas. The report is the output of a London Assembly Housing and Regeneration Committee enquiry into social value, in particular the risks of gentrification and displacement facing growing numbers of retail markets, industrial firms and small businesses in London, including through regeneration schemes. 

The enquiry took evidence from a range of experts, including  Dr Myfanwy Taylor (Lecturer (Teaching) in Urban Economies and Planning) and Sarah Goldzweig (PhD Student and Research and Policy Officer, Latin Elephant) from The Bartlett School of Planning, as well as several market traders and campaigners and small business alliances including Friends of Queen’s Market, Queen’s Market Traders Union, Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Market, East End Trades Guild and PLUSH SE16. 

Dr Taylor and Sarah Goldzweig’s evidence to the Committee drew on their extensive research and practical involvement in several related campaigns against commercial gentrification and displacement, including Dr Taylor’s ESRC-funded Markets4People research with Professor Sara González (University of Leeds). The London Assembly report includes several references to their research and evidence, including specifically encouraging the Greater London Authority and Places for London to adopt the ‘seven principles’ of inclusive market redevelopment emerging from Dr Taylor and Prof González’ research.

Myfanwy Taylor said: “The London Assembly enquiry takes seriously the growing threats of displacement and gentrification faced by retail markets, industry and small businesses in London. The report is based on substantive engagement with and evidence collected by expert academics, practitioners, traders and campaigners. I hope the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority and Places for London will show leadership on social value in planning and regeneration by accepting its recommendations in full.” 

Sarah Goldzweig said: “Latin Elephant is happy to see that the London Assembly enquiry has taken seriously community experience and knowledge in making their recommendations for how to protect London’s vital community and economic spaces. We look forward to seeing these recommendations in action.”