Bankside Information Day

The event is an opportunity for local residents and businesses to gain an overview of new developments in the Bankside area and meet representatives from community organisations, local projects and businesses, architects and developers, as well as the Council.

The exhibition, held from 11am to 6pm, will feature individual projects including a car share scheme being pioneered in London by the council. Visitors will also have the chance to hear a series of free talks on renewable energy for sustainable tourism, support services for small businesses, and redistributing redundant computer equipment for domestic and small business use.

Two guided walks are planned, one around the newly refurbished Mint Street Park and the second around the old Bankside 'Liberty', conducted by local poet and playwright John Constable.

Brazilian music and authentic Bengali food will also be on offer throughout the day.

"The Bankside Information Day provides an ideal opportunity for residents to learn about the issues that directly affect them, to see plans for new developments in the area, and to enjoy a taste of local history," said Cllr Catherine Bowman, Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development. "The day will be enjoyable and entertaining as well as informative. We hope that as many people as possible will make the most of this unique opportunity to become better acquainted with a vibrant and exciting part of London."

TALKS

talks are free and take place in the Desmond Tutu Room at Southwark Cathedral.

13.00: Renewable Energy for Sustainable Tourism (Ilias Plastiras – Sustainable Energy Action)

A Europe-wide project aiming to encourage energy efficiency and the uptake of renewable energy in the hotel sector. Includes details of grants and support services available.

14.30: Support Services for Small Businesses Sonny Abel-Opurum – Southwark Small Business Champion)


Presenting a range of services available to small businesses and start-ups, such as
finance, IT, marketing, and contract bidding.

15.45: New Homes for Old Computers (Ms Zoe Jenkins – Realise IT Network)


This project seeks to reclaim redundant computer equipment from major business centres and to redistribute it to the domestic and small business sectors.

WALKS

13.00: Mint Street Park

Conducted by Planet Earth, Bankside Open Spaces Trust and St Mungo's. The walk explores aspects of public open spaces such as community participation and the use of sustainable materials. Includes an outline of Phase 2 plans for this newly refurbished park.

Meet: Mint Street Park, Marshalsea Road, SE1

14.30: The Mysteries Pilgrimage

Local poet and playwright John Constable conducts a guided tour of the old Bankside 'Liberty', relating its colourful history to his vision of Southwark's unique identity.
Along the way, John will perform excerpts from his epic The Southwark Mysteries.

Meet: Southwark Cathedral main entrance, west churchyard

Cost: Free