A Healthy Placemaking Approach for
London Bridge
A Great Place for Business relies on a resilient community that is cared for, confident and empowered to live well.
During 2026-31, Team London Bridge will take a people-first, health-led approach to placemaking. We will design services and spaces with an aim to improving health and wellbeing for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.
What is a Healthy Placemaking Approach?
Where we spend our time has a big impact on our wellbeing. Our 2025 report with Centre for London showed that local businesses have a vital role in creating places that support healthier lives.
By placing health at the heart of our projects, we can:
- Improve the day-to-day experience of London Bridge for all
- Deliver greater value to businesses
- Increase our positive social and environmental impact
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), businesses, landowners and local authorities all have a role to play in shaping healthier places. Research shows we can make the biggest impact by focusing on three key areas:
- Physical, Mental and Social Wellbeing
- Environmental Health
- Economic Resilience
How will Team London Bridge Make a Difference?
There are many practical ways to support health through placemaking, and much is already happening in London Bridge, especially via established ESG channels. But we want to go further.
That’s why we’ve developed a framework in partnership with Centre for London to better understand our impact and guide future projects aimed at improving health outcomes for everyone.
How Team London Bridge services interact with the determinants of health:
Health and Wellbeing in the 2026–31 BID Term
Over the next five years, Team London Bridge will put health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We’ve identified the key areas where we can make the biggest impact, and we’ll continue developing projects through a health-first approach.
Environmental Health
Projects to make London Bridge cleaner, safer, and more active, including:
- Cutting pollution and promoting green travel via waste hubs, cargo bikes, better recycling and supporting Southwark’s Streets for People strategy.
- Enhancing safety with police support, better lighting and safe spaces for vulnerable people – creating the safest evening out in London.
- Improving wayfinding, highlighting healthy walking routes, e.g. the Low Line.
- Building climate resilience with Net Zero projects such rain gardens and a District Heat Network.
- Designing and managing streets that promote cleaner air and wellbeing.
- Expanding access to green, activity-friendly spaces.
Physical, Mental and Social Wellbeing
Projects to support healthier lives and stronger communities, including:
- Designing a London Bridge Run Route and community runs.
- Offering grants for charities and volunteering encouraging social connection, exercise and nature.
- Promoting targeted health campaigns (e.g. cancer screening).
- Expanding wellbeing-focused arts and cultural programming, e.g. Medi-Culture Festivals.
- Encouraging healthy eating through tools like the DealCard.
Economic Resilience
Projects to strengthen our local economy, including:
- Championing the London Living Wage, attracting responsible employers.
- Promoting good work practices, wellbeing workshops and nature-based employee engagement.
- Grants for charity projects developing skills and supporting employment.
- Boosting local employment through EmploySE1 by upskilling workers.
- Continuing to create a Great Place for Business, bringing jobs to Southwark
