Culture Mile welcomes international place leaders for City Nation Place Global 2026
Culture Mile BID was delighted to welcome international delegates attending the City Nation Place Global 2026 conference for a special walking tour and talk exploring the rich heritage, cultural ambition and ongoing transformation of Smithfield.
Taking place on Wednesday 4 November, the visit offered delegates an opportunity to experience first hand how Culture Mile is bringing together history, culture and regeneration to create a vibrant destination at the heart of the Square Mile.
Where the past meets progress
Led by renowned London guide and storyteller Sarah Williams-Robbins, better known as Mrs Londoner, the walking tour explored the fascinating layers of history that make Smithfield one of London’s most distinctive neighbourhoods.
From medieval streets and historic landmarks to Victorian market buildings and contemporary developments, delegates discovered how centuries of change have shaped the area and how its extraordinary heritage continues to influence its future.
The tour also highlighted the opportunities and challenges of bringing new life to historic urban spaces, demonstrating how heritage, cultural investment and thoughtful placemaking can work together to create places that are both distinctive and forward-looking.
A new chapter for London Museum
A particular highlight was a talk from Elisha Owen and Davide Avanzo from the London Museum, who shared insights into the ambitious transformation of the historic Smithfield Market buildings into the new home of London Museum.
With the Museum opening to the public on 28 November 2026, the project represents one of London’s most significant cultural developments and a major milestone for Culture Mile as a destination.
As the Museum’s official Destination Partner for its opening, Culture Mile BID is working closely with the Museum and the City of London Corporation to maximise the opportunities this landmark arrival presents for the wider area.
This includes improving connections and wayfinding, supporting the visitor experience and encouraging visitors to explore the Culture Mile’s wider offer of cultural attractions, independent businesses, hospitality venues and public spaces.
The ambition extends beyond the Museum’s opening, helping to establish Smithfield and the wider Culture Mile as a thriving cultural destination for Londoners and international visitors alike.
Sharing Culture Mile’s approach with a global audience
City Nation Place Global brings together place branding, destination marketing, economic development and placemaking professionals from across the world to share ideas and explore how places can strengthen their identities, attract investment and build more sustainable futures.
Hosting delegates provided Culture Mile BID with an opportunity to showcase the work being undertaken with businesses, cultural organisations, landowners and public sector partners to support the area’s continued evolution.
From activating public spaces and delivering cultural programmes to supporting partnerships and championing improvements to the public realm, Culture Mile BID is helping to shape a destination that works for businesses, residents and visitors.
The visit also demonstrated the value of collaboration in culture led regeneration, bringing together heritage, cultural institutions and place management to build on the area’s unique character while embracing new opportunities.
For Culture Mile, the message is clear: great places don’t have to choose between celebrating their past and embracing progress. The most successful do both.
Culture Mile BID would like to thank Sarah Williams-Robbins, Elisha Owen and Davide Avanzo for helping bring the area’s story to life, and City Nation Place for the opportunity to welcome an international audience of place leaders to this remarkable part of London.
