Turning places into destinations.
Creative commercial placemaking for developers, landowners and cultural destinations in the UK and the Middle East: places that reflect their identity, trade well and get people to return.
Food and beverage and retail are at the heart, because it’s what gives a place life and sustains commercial viability.
F&B & Retail. Culture & Activation.
Meanwhile Use. Commercialisation.
What we do.
Shape the strategy. Grounded in research, insight and local context: the right F&B and retail mix, independent operators and a commercial model that works for operators and owners.
Build identity and momentum. Curated uses and activation, from meanwhile use to pop-ups and events, that give a place character and prove demand.
Follow through. From concept to commissioning, fit-out to launch, and beyond, with our own delivery team on the ground.
Bring developers, talent and communities together. Through purposeful partnerships that make a place belong to the people who use
With our catering consultant partner
We work with MYA, specialist catering consultants, to add technical design and operational expertise. Together we’ve worked on F&B and retail for the Barbican Renewal Project and for a new museum in Saudi Arabia.
Some of our famous places.
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![The Barbican Arts Centre foyer and lakeside restaurants lit at night]()
The Barbican: City of London
Consultancy to bring new F&B and retail to the Arts Centre and Estate, as part of the transformational Barbican Renewal project; with architects Allies & Morrison and Asif Khan Studios.
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![Placemaking activation at Southbank Centre Square for London Design Festival. Thomas Heatherwick spinning chairs.]()
Southbank Centre
Creating a mixed economy at the world’s largest single-run arts centre with new independent F&B and retail, London-first pop-ups and opening new spaces such as rooftop garden and bar; all increasing commercial income.
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![Placemaking activation at Coal Drops Yard King's Cross London at night.]()
King’s Cross: Argent
The initial independent retail strategy for landmark shopping destination, Coal Drops Yard.
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![Design District Canteen people outside]()
Greenwich Peninsula: Knight Dragon
Retail strategy and managing operator fitouts, integrating six districts across 150 acres.
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![Families in deck chairs and bunting at Here East Canalside retail family day launch event at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.]()
Here East: Delancey
Activation from masterplanning stage through to launching Canalside retail.
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![Retail and Enlivenment Strategy at East Bank London public realm outside V&A Museum.]()
East Bank: London Legacy Development Corporation
Retail design strategy and advice plus an operational plan for enlivenment.
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![Local office workers friends - man and woman - sitting and eating at Placemaking meanwhile use street food market for workers at White City Place, London. With deck chairs and market stalls.]()
Television Centre / White City Place: Stanhope
Enlivenment strategy and delivery, repositioning the iconic former BBC Television studios and media offices.
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![Sayer Street independent Elephant Park Living Room meanwhile use kiosks curated with local entrepreneurs and creatives.]()
Elephant Park: Lendlease
Long term meanwhile uses and activation with innovative local creatives and entrepreneurs. Digital placemaking during lockdowns.
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![Dancing City GDIF 2025 stratford cross placemaking yoann bourgeous choreographer]()
Stratford Cross: Lendlease
Annual strategic Activation Programme, working with cultural partners East Bank and GDIF; putting the place on the map and driving footfall.
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![cultural public art museum meanwhile use Jo Peel drawings bankside london tate modern]()
JTRE London: Triptych Bankside
Immersive 3D art installation in a retail unit, created with breakthrough artist Jo Peel to reflect the changing fabric of the borough. Plus a curated programme of public and private events, resulting in £11M in residential sales in the first week.
