Author: Blake Foster

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has named Tower Court, the Hackney Council-owned scheme, as one of four contenders for the Neave Brown Award for Housing 2025. The award celebrates the best of the UK’s new ‘affordable’ housing projects. Tower Court, created by Adam Khan Architects, Muf Architecture/Art and Child Graddon Lewis Architects, is part of a larger initiative to deliver ‘affordable’ housing across 18 Hackney estates. RIBA described the projects shortlisted as having “exceptional design” which address broader social and environmental concerns, placing “people and communities at the heart of their work”. Jury chair Dean Pike, founding director, Al-Jawad…

The scheme, launched by Croydon Council’s public health team, offers tailored counselling for residents from Black Caribbean, African, Asian and mixed-heritage backgrounds who have not been accessing traditional services. Dr Andrew Brown is the director at Croydon BME Forum. (Image: Croydon Council) It aims to address cultural, ethnic, and faith-based barriers by connecting residents with counsellors trained in cultural awareness. Dr Andrew Brown, director at Croydon BME Forum, said: “We are really pleased to offer culturally sensitive counselling, along with other organisations in Croydon. “Although more people are seeking mental health support, there is still some stigma preventing residents from…

The most popular baby names in London have been revealed, and traditional favourites continue to top the charts. The Office for National Statistics figures showcase how naming trends in London continue to reflect the city’s rich diversity, with a blend of classic names and those influenced by various cultures and communities. For baby girls, Olivia once again takes the crown as the most popular name in the capital, with 377 newborns given the name. Sofia (372) and Amelia (359) followed closely behind, while Maya (315) and Sophia (295) rounded out the top five. For boys, Muhammad remains firmly at number…

Ada died in hospital after she was hit by a bus which swerved onto the pavement in Watling Street last year. A year after her death, her parents Bora and Nevgul Bicakci will gather with friends and family to honour their daughter at the London Road bus stop from 12pm on August 3.  A statement shared by the family on social media says: “This isn’t a day for tears, but for remembering the light, laughter and love that Ada shared with us all.  “We’ll be decorating the wall, releasing balloons, laying flowers, playing her favourite music  and simply being together, just as…

Changes are coming to several London bus routes this weekend. These changes will happen on Saturday, August 2, and will include temporary timetables, diversions, and frequency alterations. Route 36 will see a temporary timetable, increasing the frequency of service to every eight minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 12-13 minutes during evenings and all day Sundays. The night service will remain at a bus every 30 minutes on all nights of the week. This timetable will be in place until works on Park Lane are complete. Route 45’s temporary timetable will increase the frequency of service to every…

Malorees Infant and Junior Schools will merge to become Malorees Primary School from April 2026, following a decision by Brent Council’s cabinet. Councillor Gwen Grahl, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We were pleased to approve the school’s amalgamation proposal, which will help bring about crucial investment in the school. “Department for Education funding will enable Malorees to be fully rebuilt, providing pupils with modern facilities that support their learning. “I recognise how much the community values Malorees, and know the school will continue to go from strength to strength.” The newly formed primary school will serve all age…

It has been more than two-and-a-half years since Emma Bartolo’s 16-year-old son, Charlie, was “brutally” stabbed to death by a group of teens in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood. Charlie had been out riding his motorbike at 5pm on November 26, 2022, unaware that he would become yet another young victim of knife crime.  The random attack by five teens who were armed with knives lasted less than a minute – less than a minute for eight stab wounds to be inflicted, one of which penetrated Charlie’s brain.  Emma sat next to a blanket with her son’s face on it (Image: Newsquest)…

St Clare Hospice, which supports people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across west Essex and east Hertfordshire, has reported a “significant drop” in furniture donations to its charity shops over the summer months. Rose Sheppard, head of trading at St Clare Hospice, said: “We are asking our local community to help. “If you’re having a clear-out or upgrading your furniture, please think of us. “Every item helps to contribute to the hundreds of thousands of pounds St Clare Hospice’s shops need to raise each year. “If you’ve got something to give, we would be so grateful.” The hospice is…

Greenwich Wildlife Network, a volunteer-run rescue group, says the violence is worsening, and despite dozens of reports, photos, videos and witness statements submitted to police, very little has changed. Swans, geese, ducks, pigeons, squirrels and even cats are being shot, maimed or killed in public parks. Volunteers from Greenwich Wildlife Network have said the same souths are often seen returning to the same spots with catapults in hand, while animals are left to suffer horrific injuries. Rae Gellel, founder of Greenwich Wildlife Network, said: “We are exhausted, traumatised and heartbroken, and we are begging MPs, councillors and police in Greenwich,…

Whether you’re looking to stop off for a barista-brewed coffee or a brunch date with friends, Lewisham’s neighbourhoods are full of cafes to choose from. Based on TripAdvisor ratings and Google reviews, these are five standout cafés you won’t want to miss: Station Café – Hither Green 3 Staplehurst Road, SE13 5ND If it’s hearty food you’re looking for, Station Café in the neighbourhood of Hither Green came as the top stop in this popular Lewisham neighbourhood. Reviewers gave the café a 4.6 rating on TripAdvisor, with many commenting on its affordable prices and large portion sizes. Reviewers gave the Station Café…