Futurecity developed the Cultural Placemaking Strategy for 101 Prince of Wales Drive, a residential-led development in Battersea, London. The strategy was created to support the site’s transformation into a distinctive neighbourhood that responds to its riverside setting, historic context and proximity to Battersea Park, while contributing positively to the wider cultural life of the area.

Informed by contextual research and analysis of the local cultural landscape, the strategy identified opportunities to embed culture into the everyday experience of the site through the public realm, architecture and resident-facing spaces. It proposed an approach that balances permanence with flexibility, allowing cultural activity to evolve alongside the development and its community.

The strategy set out a series of cultural principles and project recommendations designed to animate shared spaces, support social interaction and foster a strong sense of place. These included integrated public art opportunities, adaptable spaces for events and exhibitions, and partnerships with local cultural organisations to ensure relevance and long-term engagement.

Together, the strategy provides a clear framework for embedding culture into 101 Prince of Wales Drive, ensuring that placemaking is rooted in local character while supporting a high-quality residential environment with a distinct cultural identity.

Photographs by Clemmie Vaughan, images of site by Buro Happold