A Walk Through Our Vibrant Community 

Keith Winestein recently took a stroll along the Thames to explore Coin Street’s inspirational neighbourhood on the South Bank – a place he is passionate about. 

Strolling along Riverside Walk near Oxo Tower Wharf, it’s hard to imagine that in the early 1980s, this area was anything but vibrant. Back then, the Coin Street area was bleak and unloved, with few shops or restaurants, a dwindling residential community, and a weak local economy.  

Today, however, this 13-acre site is a thriving neighbourhood, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of residents and supporters who campaigned to transform it. 

As a representative of Coin Street Community Builders (CSCB), I invite you to join me on a walk through our neighbourhood. Let me show you first hand the incredible changes that have taken place since 1984. 

As we walk through the bustling streets, you’ll see cooperative homes, lush parks, and gardens where families gather, and children play. Shops and design studios buzz with creativity, while galleries and restaurants offer cultural and culinary delights. 

Our path leads us to the neighbourhood centre, which hosts our family and children’s centre, where youth and community programs bring people together. Having a nursery on site means the laughter and playing of children is a constant feature.  

Delegates visiting for large gatherings at our Conference Centre add to the vibrant atmosphere. If we take a stroll down Stamford Street and pass behind the Nautical School, we will reach our sports pitches, alive with activity as young people play football.  

At the Colombo Centre, it’s evident that community spirit thrives, bringing together people of all ages to break down isolation, connect, learn from one another, and maintain good physical and mental health. Coin Street isn’t just a neighbourhood; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause. 

Reflecting on the area’s history, we remember the South Bank’s transformation. Post-war bomb damage and preparations for the 1951 Festival of Britain left a legacy that was further shaped by the influx of office buildings in the 1960s. By the early 1970s, the residential population had plummeted from 50,000 to just 4,500, leading to the closure of many schools, shops, and local businesses. Local people began to feel increasingly marginalised and isolated. 

In response, residents banded together to prioritise people, homes, and community facilities. The Coin Street Action Group was formed in 1977 to oppose plans for Europe’s tallest hotel and over 1 million square feet of office space. Instead, they envisioned housing, a new riverside park, shops, and leisure facilities. After seven years of campaigning and two year-long public inquiries, the Greater London Council (GLC) supported the community’s vision. Coin Street Community Builders was established in 1984, purchasing the site for £1 million. 

As we continue our walk, you’ll see how Coin Street has stayed true to its mission of making the North Southwark and Waterloo neighbourhood a better place to live, work, and play. Our organisation manages commercial activities through its tenants at Oxo Tower Wharf, Gabriel’s Wharf, and around the area, reinvesting income into public services.  

The gallery @oxo and Bargehouse bring in revenue and creative practitioners from across the world exhibiting their art, contributing to the cultural quarter of the South Bank. Our efforts opened the river for everyone to enjoy, with the creation of Bernie Spain Gardens offering spectacular views of the Thames and an oasis of calm in the busy city. 

Maintaining this vibrant 13-acre estate is no small feat. Our team works tirelessly removing litter, maintaining greenery, repairing buildings, and ensuring safety. We support small enterprises, providing space and encouragement for over 60 businesses, fostering a sense of creativity and entrepreneurship. 

Coin Street’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement is evident in our diverse Youth and Community programmes. We help people prepare for employment, support business growth, and offer creative opportunities for all ages. The upcoming Doon Street development promises new swimming and leisure facilities, along with affordable housing and community amenities, further enhancing the neighbourhood. 

As we conclude our walk, it’s clear that Coin Street Community Builders is more than just a property developer. We’re tackling 21st-century challenges like air quality, climate change, mental health, and care in old age. By developing leaders who can advocate for the community, Coin Street is ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping their future. 

If you live, work, or study locally and want to get involved, Coin Street welcomes you. And if you’re inspired to create change where you live, our story shows the power of a neighbourhood-based social enterprise. Join us in celebrating this vibrant community and be part of its ongoing journey. In our 40th year, let’s walk together, appreciate, and explore the remarkable transformation of this neighbourhood.