Over 50 people met yesterday for a series of talks and fascinating walks around Brixton led by the people who love it. The event was curated by Anchor and Magnet and co-hosted by the council and the Academy of Urbanism, which awarded Brixton the title of Great Neighbourhood 2013. Local residents, members of the Academy and the council came together to learn from each other about what makes Brixton great and to share ideas about how to protect these things at a time of rapid change.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Derrick Anderson, shared his experiences of living in Brixton and Camila Ween outlined why the Academy had thought it was such a great neighbourhood.

Looking to the future, the council reviewed how the town centre is changing and what it can do to guide change so that it improves the town centre and provides opportunities for people living and working here. Residents shared their hopes and concerns that there will be genuine benefits for all given the challenges many local residents and businesses already face in the current economic climate.

Following the walks we had an important discussion, facilitated by local councillor, Rachel Heywood, and Bob Young from the Academy. We talked about the need for better homes and work spaces that people can afford. We discussed that communities needed better open spaces and local access to health, leisure and education facilities where Brixton’s amazing people can continue to meet and mix and develop a sense of common belonging and of community.

Importantly people agreed we needed everyone to have a voice in shaping the future of Brixton. Thank you to everyone who came yesterday and thank you for your contributions. They are much appreciated.

A report of the event will be available later next month along with details of future plans.