Lambeth at the London Real Estate Forum: Unlocking Investment Through Partnership
The Place stage with full attendance, as the panel discusses Lambeth’s Growth plan
On 17 September 2025, Lambeth Council joined leaders from culture, health, and academia at the London Real Estate Forum (LREF) at Guildhall, London, to spotlight how the borough is advancing key development projects and creating new opportunities for investment and inclusive growth.
The panel discussion, chaired by Tom Sleigh, Chair of the South Bank Employers’ Group and Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Planning & Transportation Committee, brought together:
- Professor Graham Lord, Co-Chair, SC1
- Laurie Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation
- Susan Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, Southbank Centre
- Cllr Claire Holland, Leader, Lambeth Council
Together, the speakers explored how long-term partnership and coordinated investment are shaping the future of South Bank and Waterloo, and how collaboration between the public, private, and cultural sectors is key to unlocking the borough’s full potential.
Lambeth’s Growth Plan sets out bold ambitions for the next decade: a 10% increase in commercial space, 20,000 new jobs, and 10,000 new homes across the borough. South Bank and Waterloo are integral to achieving this vision, areas of global recognition with deep-rooted partnerships and extraordinary potential.
Cllr Holland highlighted how Lambeth is unlocking this potential through strategic investment in infrastructure, growth in high-productivity sectors, and the creation of inclusive pathways into opportunity, alongside a continued focus on delivering high-quality, affordable housing.
Several major projects are already delivering on this ambition:
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An £800 million landmark scheme by Mitsubishi Estate and CO-RE, transforming the former ITV studios into nearly one million square feet of commercial and cultural space, supporting jobs, innovation, and the local creative economy.
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Developing a world-class centre for health research and innovation, creating thousands of skilled jobs and strengthening London’s position as a global leader in life sciences.
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A new six-storey education and community hub, made possible through cross-sector partnerships and supported by Council loan and grant funding, ensuring one of London’s most historic cultural institutions continues to thrive for future generations.
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Redefining one of the capital’s busiest transport hubs into a modern gateway with new workspace, retail, and improved public spaces that connect communities and businesses.
These projects will deliver jobs, skills, and long-term investment opportunities, helping to cement Lambeth’s position as one of London’s most investable boroughs.
While South Bank and Waterloo remain central to London’s global profile, Lambeth is also advancing regeneration and growth across the borough. Brixton has a combination of large-scale redevelopment opportunities alongside public realm, cultural and community infrastructure improvements that complement its cultural diversity and Creative Enterprise Zone status. Further south in areas like West Norwood and Streatham, locally focused opportunities for infrastructure improvements and redevelopment respond to the needs of local people and businesses.
“Through partnership, we are unlocking some of the capital’s most significant regeneration projects, creating new opportunities for investment and delivering real benefits for Lambeth’s communities and economy,” said Cllr Claire Holland.
Lambeth is open for partnership, working with developers, investors, cultural organisations, and local businesses to realise the borough’s shared ambitions. By collaborating with the Council and the Lambeth Strategic Partnership, you can help shape the next decade of inclusive growth, build opportunity, and deliver lasting impact
If your organisation is interested in collaborating on Lambeth’s growth and regeneration priorities, get in touch with the Lambeth Now team to start the conversation.