LISTEN TO London Explained podcast: Central District Alliance

In our fourth podcast, we explore the five different neighbourhoods (and their blurred boundaries) contained within the Central District Alliance, stretching from Clerkenwell to Tottenham Court Road.

Presenter Dave Hill takes us on a journey through both the history and geography of the area which features a wealth of private and public spaces covering hundreds of years.

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Defined by the River Fleet, the eastern section of this area was known for clear waters which brought religious orders, markets and gin making. As it evolves into a new zone for the tech industry, we can see the past, present and future colliding in the buildings and landscape that shape the streetscape.

High Holborn is characterised by centuries of legal practice that takes the form of Gray’s Inn and Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the wonderful gardens and squares that come with them. 

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Bloomsbury, once home to famous literary group of the same name, has now become a knowledge hub with University College London, as well as the home of the British Museum. The latter will soon undergo big changes as the most visited place in the UK prepares for renewal plans such as energy efficiency and an improved public realm.

As we reach the Tottenham Court Road end, we explore plagues, poets and popstars with the church of St Giles, as well as one of London’s first skyscrapers at Centrepoint and the new Outernet entertainment zone.

Debbie Akehusrt and Alexander Jan of the Central District Alliance BID explain how they plan to rethink the area’s economy, consider the challenges of climate change, tackle air pollution and enhance visitor experience.

This series was set-up to help explain what gives particular areas in London their identity and what is likely to happen to them in the future, as the capital inevitably changes.

The preceding episodes in the series looked at Earls Court, the Fleet Street Quarter and Marble Arch.

The podcast is researched, written and presented by Dave Hill, editor and publisher of the website OnLondon.co.uk, and produced by Andrew McGibbon for Curtains for Radio Ltd. It was supported financially by the Central District Alliance with The London Society retaining full editorial control.

LISTEN TO London Explained podcast: Central District Alliance