SoWN News September 2026
As autumn gets underway, there is plenty happening across South Bank and Waterloo. In this edition you'll find details of upcoming community events, opportunities to have your say on local issues and news from some of our local organisations and creative communities. Remember the SoWN AGM is on Monday 5 October and the next SoWN Forum is on Thursday 8 October.
As always, thank you for being part of this vibrant neighbourhood!
Inside this issue:
SoWN Annual General Meeting, Monday 5 October, 10.30am
South Bank and Waterloo Forum, Thursday 8 October, 6pm
Southbank Centre Youth Voices Open Day this Saturday 26 September
South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us update
Waterloo Library open at its new Wootton Street home
Have your say in the Lambeth residents survey - deadline Wednesday 30 September
Free storytelling workshops at St John's
Waterloo Local History Society events
The Puffin; local novelist book launch at Southwark Cathedral, Monday 26 September
Development update: Royal Street
Reminder: London Eye Community Chest applications open deadline Monday 19 October
Backstage Cafe & Bar at The Old Vic
Spotlight on... Alice Angus, Artist in Residence with Topolski Studio in Waterloo
SoWN Annual General Meeting
You are warmly invited to SoWN's Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Date: Monday 5 October
Time: 10.30am
Location: St John's Church, Waterloo Road, SE1 8TY
If, as a member of SoWN, you wish to raise a particular issue or propose a motion for the AGM, please email the Secretary, David Clarson, at mail@sowneighbours.org, by Thursday 2 October 2026.
If you are unable to attend, you may nominate another member to vote on your behalf on any matter by completing and returning the Proxy Voting Form below the agenda here.
Our Constitution requires 2%, currently 21, of our members to either be present or send a proxy so we would be very grateful if you could send a proxy if you can't be with us.
AGENDA
Apologies for absence
Minutes of the AGM held on 20th November 2025
Annual Report for 2025/6
Accounts for period ending 31st March 2026
To elect the Board of Trustees
Activities of the Steering Group during the past 12 months and its plans for the future
Any other business
See the AGM announcement for more information.
South Bank and Waterloo Forum
Join us for the next South Bank and Waterloo Forum.
Date: Thursday 8 September
Time: 6pm
Location: Southwark College, 25 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF
You can also join online here.
Meeting ID: 342 575 970 521 330
Passcode: 9gF3Qz6W
Agenda
Updates from local MPs and councillors
Adopt a Street: working together for our neighbourhood
Developments on our doorstep: what’s happening locally
Elizabeth House
Waterloo Elders Directory and plans for a nursing home
Gabriel's Wharf update
Community announcements and updates
After the Forum you are invited to stay for a drink. If you would like to suggest a topic for a future agenda, please let us know. The final meeting of the year will be held on Thursday 10 December at 6pm at the new Waterloo Library.
Southbank Centre Youth Voices Open Day
Southbank Centre is hosting a free taster day for young people aged nine to 18 to try out a session with their Youth Voices choir. Explore fun harmonies by singing together and meet the current members to get a feel for being part of our next cohort. No auditions are needed, just your enthusiasm and willingness to have fun!
Afterwards, young people can sign up to join the choir's weekly term-time rehearsals.
Date: Saturday 26 September
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Location: Southbank Centre, Level 5 Function Room, Green Side, Royal Festival Hall
South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us update
On Sunday 13 September, over 200 people attended the South Bank and Waterloo Eco Fest at St John's to to enjoy hands-on workshops, live performances, family activities, and learn about inspiring local organisations. Thanks to everyone who took part or came along.
This month, the Sustains Us team published 'Reimagining the River Thames: community visioning for a resilient future along the South Bank'. Find out more here.
Waterloo Library has a new home!
The new Waterloo Library has opened at 30 Wooton Street!
Our opening hours:
Monday 1 - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 1pm and 2 - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 1pm and 2 - 8pm
Thursday 10am - 1pm and 2 - 6pm
Friday 10am - 1pm and 2 - 6pm
It is a lovely site with outdoor space where you can read.
For more information, visit the website.
Have your say in the Lambeth residents survey - deadline Wednesday 30 September
A reminder to complete Lambeth Council’s survey on community spaces in Waterloo and South Bank. The deadline has been extended to 30 September. Take the quick survey here for a chance to win a £50 voucher.
As part of this project, the Council is also inviting you to take part in a paid workshop in October. If you would like to get involved, you can register your interest here to receive further information.
Free storytelling workshops at St John's
Are you an actor, public speaker, author or storyteller? Improve, learn, teach others and share your skills at a friendly free workshop series.
Each month they look at a different topic connected with oral storytelling. This workshop is suitable for all levels from beginner to professional.
Workshop Format:
Welcome
3 x short stories told live
5 minute break
Simple creative exercise
Discussion on the topic.
For more information, visit the website. Email Vanessa to register at least 7 days in advance.
Waterloo Local History Society events
Join the Waterloo Local History Society at their upcoming events.
A walk: Housing initiatives: A spotlight on Waterloo’s evolving neighbourhoods
Date: Sunday 27 September
Time: 2pm
Meet: Outside Morley College, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7HT
Book here.
Contact 07793 201 270
Presentations: Working in Waterloo
The evening will open with a brief AGM
Date: Tuesday 3 November
Time: 6.30 - 9pm
Location: St Andrew’s Church, Short Street
Save the date.
Booking opens on 1 October through the website.
The Puffin; local novelist book launch at Southwark Cathedral, Monday 26 September
Local writer, Michelle Lovric, is a hosting a book launch for her new book, The Puffin, on Monday 26 October at Southwark Cathedral.
Visit the website for more information.
Development update: Royal Street
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation has now secured its first development partnership and has completed the sale of the residential element of the site, known as Plot 1B, to London Square. This phase lies to the south of Royal Street, on land recently vacated by Oasis Farm and the NHS Car Park.
This means that no residents or other occupants will be affected at this stage and they will continue to update you as plans develop.
This partnership will see Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation deliver 133 new homes, of which at least 50% will be affordable, along with community space and some retail space.
London Square is one of the capital’s most active property developers, with a strong track record of delivering mixed-use, multi tenure schemes at pace. In 2026, the business will have 25 live schemes across the capital delivering over 5,600 homes including c40% affordable.
Subject to the necessary approvals, London Square expects to start on site in Spring 2027 and will be in touch with residents ahead of works commencing.
If you have any questions in the meantime, contact Sebastian Hanley
Reminder: London Eye Community Chest applications open
The 2026-27 London Eye Community Chest Programme for Waterloo and the South Bank is now open for applications. This fund supports projects that help to build community and strengthen community resilience in the local area.
The deadline for submissions is 11pm on Monday 19 October 2026. Decisions will be made by a panel drawn from the local area and their decision will be final. The aim will be to decide and communicate which projects have been accepted, within 4-5 weeks of that date.
Visit the website for more details and to apply.
Backstage Cafe & Bar at The Old Vic
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast on the go, picking up lunch, or joining for an evening drink, Backstage has something for every part of your day.
From 22 September, start your morning with the coffee & pastry deal for £6.65 or enjoy one of the delicious sandwiches for a perfect midday break.
Heading to a show or just fancy an early diner? The pre-show menu offers a great selection of dishes and drinks, making it the perfect way to start your evening at The Old Vic.
Visit the website for more information.
Spotlight on... Alice Angus, Artist in Residence with Topolski Studio in Waterloo
What’s your role in the South Bank and Waterloo area?
I’m a visual artist, drawing is a big part of my practice. I often draw down near the Thames. I'm currently Artist in Residence with Topolski Studio in Waterloo where I am hosting "A Year of Fearless Drawing" reinterpreting the archive through new work and artist-led outreach to create spaces where people come together through drawing. I'm running drawing events and projects with local groups and colleges, including community projects about the River and Southbank, and workshops like Drawing Dance in Motion, a monthly series I run with artist Sally McKay. (If you would like to get involved find me on @aliceeangus or contact via my website aliceeangus.net)
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
No specific place but I love being in Scotland where I was born.
Who is your hero/heroine?
There are so many, but right now Scottish artist Sam Ainsley comes to mind, who is unfailing and indefatigable, despite all life throws at her, in her dedication to other artists, to women artists and to never giving up on her own practice.
If you could live in any movie, which one would it be?
Probably a Hayao Miyazaki film - like Spirited Away or Ponyo.
Who do you nominate for a SoWN spotlight?
I nominate dancer Simone Damberg Wurtz who is rehearsal director at nearby Rambert (dance company), she is a generous and dynamic community builder, as well as a brilliant dancer. She founded the Playground a free monthly creative platform for dancers and other artists to come together and create that has been the starting place for many new projects and collaborations. I think, on reflection she is another of my heroes.
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