Futurecity developed a Cultural Placemaking Strategy for Fulham Gasworks to embed arts, culture and heritage into the creation of a new residential-led neighbourhood in Sands End, Fulham. Commissioned by St William, the strategy positioned culture as a long-term legacy, supporting identity, wellbeing and social sustainability.

Informed by a cultural audit and DataScanner® analysis, the strategy mapped the site’s industrial heritage - centred on its historic gasholders - alongside the surrounding West London creative ecosystem. This evidence base shaped five Cultural Placemaking Principles focused on heritage, wellbeing, activated public realm, creative workspace and design innovation, providing a consistent framework for decision-making across all phases of development.

The strategy translated these principles into practical opportunities for community engagement, artist-led public realm interventions and creative commercial space. Proposals explored how culture could animate landscapes, play spaces and retained historic structures, while supporting creative enterprise and local economic activity.

Clear guidance on commissioning, governance and long-term stewardship ensured culture would remain integral as the neighbourhood evolves, creating a distinctive and inclusive place rooted in Fulham’s past and responsive to contemporary life.

Site images via Buro Happold