Over the last two decades a remarkable network has developed of organisations and individuals with an interest in the future of London’s South Bank.

Many local resident community groups have their roots in the 1970s. The South Bank Employers’ Group started meeting in 1990 and brings together 15 major organisations – Shell International, IBM, ITV, Kings College, London South Bank University, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital Trust, Ernst & Young, Network Rail, P&O Developments, London & Continental Railways, South Bank Centre, the National Theatre, the British Film Institute, the London Eye ... and, of course, Coin Street Community Builders.

South Bank Partnership, formed in 1995, brings together members of the Employers’ Group, the leaderships of Lambeth and Southwark Councils, local ward councillors, regional bodies such as the London Development Agency and Transport for London, and a number of other service agencies. It is co-chaired by two local Members of Parliament, Kate Hoey and Simon Hughes. The MPs and ward councillors also host a quarterly meeting of the South Bank Forum to which all local households are invited. 

The South Bank Partnership and South Bank Employers’ Group have agreed with the main political parties a Manifesto and ‘vision’ for the area. By developing specific projects which fit into that ‘vision’ and a parallel urban design strategy they have already achieved a substantial transformation of the South Bank.

Along with the ‘physical’ regeneration of the area there has been a collective and very successful effort to transform public perceptions of the South Bank. This has involved a long-term information and marketing programme led by South Bank Employers’ Group.

However, the very success of these efforts has led to new pressures – both in terms of numbers coming into the area and in terms of rising land values. It is dealing with these pressures which forms the challenge for the future.