NEWS

South Bank and Waterloo – London Festival of Architecture Neighbourhood 2026

  • Image of South Bank, looking at the National Theatre and the London Eye in the background

    Image of South Bank, looking at the National Theatre and the London Eye in the background. photo by Mickey Lee

The London Festival of Architecture is a month-long celebration of architecture and city-making, taking place every June across London, with 2026 focusing on the theme of ‘belonging’. 

LFA Neighbourhoods sit at the heart of the Festival, celebrating the people, places and projects in the unique neighbourhoods of our city. This year, South Bank and Waterloo are one of the LFA2026 key neighbourhoods, with Lambeth investing in a programme of events to showcase the area and the work that is happening. 

Some key events to highlight include: 

Waterloo and South Bank Wayfinding ‘Walk and Talk’, an insightful visit around Waterloo and its underpasses reflecting on shared aspirations, challenges and proposals for improvement. 

Community life after dark, a panel talk examining how social infrastructure and community spaces can reshape the night-time city into one where everyone feels connected and included.  

South Bank and Waterloo’s next decade of growth – part 1, a panel talk discussing how strategic investment in the creative industries, green economy and life sciences is transforming South Bank and Waterloo.  

South Bank and Waterloo’s next decade of growth – part 2, a tour that showcases the partnerships and investment reshaping one of London’s most distinctive, creative and future-focused neighbourhoods through inclusive growth.   

 

If you are interested in any of the events, please click on the links above for further information and how to book tickets. 

  • CGI image of new Vista tall buildings along River Thames with the London Eye in the background

    CGI images of 72 Upper Ground courtesy of Make Architects.

  • A street musician plays trumpet and guitar in an illuminated tunnel at night, with people gathered and walking in the background.

    A musician performs in Leake Street, Waterloo, at night

  • Image 1 alt text: A pedestrian walkway near the BFI IMAX on the South Bank, with wayfinding signs, greenery hanging overhead and curved modern buildings lining the route.

    Monolith wayfinding signage helping visitors navigate Waterloo and the South Bank cultural quarter

South Bank and Waterloo are entering a pivotal era of transformation, shaped by a long history of culture, creativity, and change. 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain – a landmark moment that helped redefine it as a place for new ideas, public life, and cultural expression. 

An international visitor destination and one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods – it thrives on diversity. Alongside world-renowned cultural venues and one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs, it’s home to global businesses, centres of research and healthcare excellence, and a rich mix of independent gems. 

Major projects including the Waterloo Station Masterplan, 72 Upper Ground, Waterloo Central and Royal Street’s life sciences campus are set to redefine this part of the capital. Through LFA2026, we will celebrate its legacy and explore how creativity, innovation and design can continue to foster a strong sense of belonging and shape the area’s future.   

Lambeth’s full programme of events can be found here. If you are interested in any of the events, please click for further information on how to book tickets. We will explore how our communities shape our neighbourhoods and, vice versa, as we celebrate the story of South Bank and Waterloo.