Lunchtime Talk: Fitzrovia – Where Open Minds Create

How can Fitzrovia's streets work better for everyone? Explore public space, placemaking and the role of Business Improvement Districts. How can businesses, local authorities and communities work together to create better public spaces? Join Marcos Gold, Director of Policy and Place at Fitzrovia Partnership, for a Lunchtime Talk exploring how Fitzrovia's streets and public spaces are being shaped, managed and maintained. Covering parts of Camden and Westminster, Fitzrovia faces many of the challenges common to busy urban neighbourhoods: balancing the needs of residents, businesses and visitors while making public spaces welcoming, practical and well cared for. Marcos will discuss the role of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in placemaking, drawing on projects including: • Whitfield Gardens: lessons from summer public events and the management of shared public space. • Warren Street: early work exploring a more pedestrian-focused street. • Fitzrovia Design Code: developing a more consistent approach to paving, lighting, street furniture, signage and shopfronts across two boroughs. The talk will explore the opportunities for improving the public realm, alongside the practical realities of funding, maintenance, planning and working with different stakeholders. About the speaker Marcos Gold is Director of Policy and Place at Fitzrovia Partnership, where he leads work across policy, advocacy, placemaking, operations and public realm projects. He represents Fitzrovia's interests in discussions with Camden Council, Westminster City Council, the Greater London Authority and national government. His background includes parliamentary advisory work and public affairs, and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Place Management. About the Building Centre's Lunchtime Talks Our Lunchtime Talks bring together people working across architecture, design and the built environment to share ideas, explore new approaches and encourage discussion. Free to attend. Booking recommended. Have an idea for a talk? We're always looking for fresh ideas and perspectives. If you'd like to propose a talk, please get in touch.