After this year’s Pride month and in anticipation of tomorrow’s Pride in London parade, it’s a great time to reflect on what town planning professionals have done, and can do, to support placemaking and developments that are inclusive for all.
At the end of 2024, planning permission was secured on behalf of the charity Micro Rainbow to create a safe house in Newham, London. It will be for the sole use of Micro Rainbow which runs safe houses dedicated to providing a safe and temporary shelter for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees.
Meanwhile, King’s Cross is one of the largest and most successful redevelopments in London, transforming an underused industrial area into a vibrant hub.
The rejuvenation of the area is a masterplanning success supported by positive planning policies and motivated developers. A standout placemaking achievement is Granary Square. And standing proud within the square is Queer Britain – the first dedicated LGBTQ+ museum in the UK. It opened on 5 May 2022 just ahead of the 50th anniversary of Britain’s first gay pride march. This is a shining example of how visible and celebrated LGBTQ+ history and culture has become.
Our role as town planners is to facilitate development, support the creation of new places and deliver the infrastructure needed for society to prosper. The above are colourful examples of the planning profession at work. Placemaking that includes visible signs of support for different communities, where everyone feels safe and welcome, is a sign of successful planning.
Pride is a time to celebrate, come together and reflect how far LGBTQ+ rights have come over many years. It also acts as a reminder that in some places, there’s more to be done. As town planners and property professionals, we are in a powerful position to positively influence and create spaces and places which can make everyone feel welcome, safe and be who they are.
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