Grow Places

Join us on a special on-site episode of the Grow Places Podcast, hosted by founder Tom Larsson, as we explore the vibrant ecosystem of the Truman Brewery in East London. Recorded live in the heart of Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Steve, the site manager of the Truman Brewery, who shares how this iconic space has evolved into a thriving hub of creativity, commerce, and community.

Discover how the Brewery’s unique people-centric approach sets it apart from conventional office spaces, hosting a diverse range of businesses—from large corporations like Urban Outfitters to independent artisans and market traders. Steve reveals the daily operations behind maintaining this bustling site, the importance of fostering close relationships with tenants, and the Brewery’s unconventional yet highly effective management style.

Tom also delves into the future of the Truman Brewery, discussing redevelopment plans that aim to preserve the Brewery’s rich cultural heritage while providing room for growth and adaptation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in urban development, community-driven business ecosystems, and the dynamic interplay between people, place, and growth.

Why Listen?

• Uncover the Secrets of a Unique Creative Hub: Learn how the Truman Brewery supports over 200 businesses—from Urban Outfitters’ European HQ to small artisans making incense and jewelry—creating a dynamic mix of large and small, corporate and creative.
• People-First Management: Discover how the Brewery’s unconventional approach, with on-site management and a flexible lease system, puts people at the center, fostering a collaborative environment that’s anything but ordinary.
• Adapting to Change: Hear how the Brewery has navigated the challenges of the past two decades, including shifting market demands and the impact of COVID-19, while staying true to its creative roots.
• Future Vision: Get an insider look at the ambitious redevelopment plans that aim to preserve the Brewery’s cultural soul while opening new spaces for growth. Find out how this long-term vision will ensure the Brewery continues to thrive for decades to come.

Tune in to learn how the Truman Brewery continues to be a pillar of East London’s creative landscape and what’s next for this iconic location.

Discover how the dynamic economic ecosystem of East London is shaping up in our latest episode recorded at the iconic Truman Brewery. Joined by Alex O'Byrne and Peter Reddy from Volterra Partners, and Tom Larsson, the development manager from Grow Places, we promise a deep dive into the socioeconomic impacts of major developments in Tower Hamlets. Learn about the importance of nurturing a naturally evolving community within this vibrant area, where maintaining cultural and business diversity is key.

Ever wondered how local political activism and community sentiment shape urban development strategies? Alex and Peter reveal how strong local engagement and diverse opinions are driving community wealth-building initiatives. We discuss the unique owner-operator model of Truman Brewery and how it fosters long-term relationships over speculative development, ensuring support for creative and small businesses. Tune in to understand the balancing act between rigid planning policies and the need for community-focused solutions.

Finally, we explore the future of East London's development with an eye toward creating vibrant, inclusive spaces. Tom emphasizes the significance of gradual, authentic changes that cater to a diverse demographic while preserving Brick Lane's cultural identity. Hear about the collaboration with design consultants like Publica and the efforts to engage local artists and young people to maximize social value. This episode is your gateway to understanding the intricate balance between development and community, promising insights that will resonate with anyone interested in urban growth and sustainability.

Welcome to the Grow Places podcast, where we delve deep into the symbiotic relationship between people, growth, and place. In this special episode, recorded on-site at the historic Truman Brewery in East London, host Tom Larsson is in discussion again with another key team member from our ongoing redevelopment project.

Discover how the plans for the existing Cooperage building (Block K) and a new Block 1 are doing just that with Lukas Barry from Carmody Groarke. Join us as we explore the creation of new adaptable workspaces, vibrant retail environments, and new community art space and micro-brewery on the east of the site fronting Spital Street. Lukas dives into the design and purpose behind these innovative spaces, revealing how they will support creatives and local people while preserving the rich industrial heritage of the Truman Brewery.

Our conversation delves into the intricacies of the master plan, striking a balance between honouring the site's 350-year-old industrial history and fostering new, dynamic frontages to existing streets and new yards. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of integrating these new developments into the existing urban fabric, and how sustainability features like timber frames and natural ventilation are at the project's core. 

Key Highlights for Built Environment Professionals:
- Heritage and Innovation: Delve into the intricate process of restoring the Cooperage, which includes a community art space and a micro-brewery, rejuvenating the brewing heritage while adapting for modern use.
- Advanced Design Techniques: Gain insights into the design and construction of the new building on Spital Street (Block 1), featuring flexible, modern workspaces with integrated retail spaces aimed at fostering creativity and collaboration.
- Sustainability Focus: Lukas reveals the sustainable strategies employed in these projects, including the use of timber frames, natural ventilation, and adaptable layouts to ensure low carbon footprints and long-term usability.
- Urban Revitalisation: Understand the strategic approach to opening up the once-private brewery site to the public, creating vibrant, accessible spaces that serve as social hubs for locals and visitors alike.
- Economic Revitalisation: Learn about the incorporation of small retail units to support independent businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of the area.

This episode is essential listening for built environment professionals, including architects, urban planners, and sustainability experts. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how the fusion of past and future is creating spaces that foster community, creativity, and sustainability.

For more in-depth information and updates, visit growplaces.com and follow us on social media @WeGrowPlaces. Don’t miss this engaging episode that promises a comprehensive dive into the evolution of urban landscapes.

Keywords: Grow Places, Truman Brewery, sustainable architecture, urban redevelopment, East London, creative workspaces, heritage preservation, community spaces, environmentally conscious design, built environment, Carmody Groarke.

Dive into our latest conversation with Angela Crowther and Letty Lucy from Arup on the groundbreaking redevelopment of East London's iconic Truman Brewery. Discover how sustainable practices, community impact, and innovative design are helping this historic area to grow as a vibrant urban space.

Unlock the secrets behind transformative neighbourhood scale regeneration! Angela, an expert in structural engineering and environmental sustainability, and Letty, a specialist in social impact and community benefits, reveal their multidisciplinary approach to fostering a biodiverse and accessible environment in Spitalfields and Banglatown.

🌍 Get inspired by their vision for a vibrant, adaptable, and sustainable future:

• Inclusive Design: Learn how design principles shape outdoor and built environments, balancing aesthetics and environmental responsibility.
• Community Engagement: Discover the importance of on-the-ground research and continuous community interaction to meet local needs.
• Sustainable Practices: Hear about innovative approaches like microclimate studies and sustainable design principles that ensure environmental comfort.

🎧 Podcast Highlights:

• Angela shares insights on leading a multidisciplinary team to enhance the public realm and buildings.
• Letty emphasizes maximizing social value for local residents and the broader Tower Hamlets economy.
• Explore the synergy between diverse architectural opinions and continuous community interaction.

Key Quotes:

• Angela Crowther: “We’re making this site and the public realm and the buildings the very best that it can be, having an impact across all of the different factors that contribute to a place.”
• Letty Lucy: “It’s not just about the core economic impact, but also how it can affect the day-to-day lives of the current people who live near the site and the future users of the site.”

Join us as we walk through the historic Brick Lane, uncovering the secrets behind transforming a historic site into a vibrant urban space. Gain valuable insights into the multidisciplinary approach that fosters a biodiverse and accessible environment, enhancing the vibrant essence of existing communities while introducing beneficial changes.

Curious about how urban redevelopment projects can connect places and provide flexible spaces that are interesting and open to change? 

On this our 5th episode of our Truman Brewery Series Edmund and Jonathan from Morris + Co unravel our ambitious redevelopment project in East London. We’ll dive into the masterplan detailing how Morris + Co have designed their "Block 3" into a hub for creative workspaces, cinema, shops, cafes, restaurants and community art spaces. We will also shed light on how affordable workspaces are being integrated to support various local businesses.

Ever wondered how sustainable design can reshape urban landscapes? We discuss how early conversation with Arup engineers reveal how natural ventilation, efficient use of materials like timber and precast, and optimised floor plates can drastically cut down both embodied and operational carbon. Discover the advantages of relying on natural light and fresh air over traditional mechanical systems, and how these eco-friendly designs contribute to a more enjoyable environment for everyone. Plus, we'll explore the creation of vibrant public spaces, such as Chimney Yard and Cooperage Yard, which are crafted to foster community engagement and offer enriching outdoor experiences.

Walk with us through the evolving streets of the Truman Brewery site as we discuss the creative reuse of materials and the transformation of private spaces into engaging public areas. Highlighting areas like Dray Walk and Morris + Co's designs for Ely's Yard, we focus on blending old structures with new interventions to maintain the unique character of Brick Lane and Spitalfields. Learn about logistical challenges, from managing multiple design teams to ensuring smooth pedestrian flow and servicing of events on site are approached with optimism.

We also touch on the necessity of modern data centres within urban environments, emphasising their importance in meeting future technological demands while staying true to the area's historic fabric exemplified by "Block A" on Grey Eagle Street which is the third building Morris + Co have designed at Truman Brewery.

What happens when once closed areas of a neighbourhood open up to be enjoyed by all?

Join us as we walk around our Truman Brewery site with Giles and Rosie from Spacehub to explore their sensitive work on the Landscape and Public Realm design for our Truman Brewery redevelopment in East London. In this episode, we unravel their strategies for creating interconnected, functional outdoor spaces that not only complement architectural designs but also provide inviting public areas for relaxation and interaction. Learn how they envision a more permeable environment that enhances the overall experience for both residents and visitors.

We dig deep into the complexities of balancing functionality, sustainability, and community engagement in urban design. From standout trees to rain gardens and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), find out how these landscape architects integrate greenery and water management into their designs to enhance biodiversity and improve peoples connection to nature in this urban location. We'll also touch on the importance of preserving the unique character of neighborhoods like the Brick Lane, steering clear of a corporate feel, and crafting public realms that are playable without the need for formal playgrounds.

We shed light on integrating new facades and activating spaces while blending new developments with the existing urban fabric. Hear about the ambitious project to reuse heritage materials and the commitment to sustainability, aiming to create a cohesive, evolving community that honours its historical roots while meeting modern needs. Don't miss this insightful conversation on shaping vibrant, dynamic urban spaces that foster community and stand the test of time.

Ever wondered how historic buildings can maintain their charm while adapting to modern needs? 

Join us as we chat with architects Chris Dyson and Mathew Witts of Chris Dyson Architects about the remarkable transformation of the Truman Brewery's Listed old Boiler House "Block O". Originally a stable block from 1800's, this space has been reimagined to serve as a flexible, functional exhibition venue that continues to be a vibrant part of Brick Lane in East London. We dive into the building's unique accessibility features and the ever-changing street art that helps make the area alive and dynamic.

Discover the pivotal role of a modest extension building in a our comprehensive masterplan project, designed to breathe new life into under used parts of the Truman Brewery Estate. As we explore the area, we examine the diverse architectural styles contributing to the neighbourhood's charm, showcasing how robust yet elegant materials honour the industrial heritage while being as progressive as the people here.

Listen in as we explore the art of preserving local character through bespoke design with an architect who has called this area home for over 30 years. Chris's profound connection to the neighbourhood is evident in each of their many local project, utilising materials and local knowledge to address practical challenges and enhance community ties. We also discuss the economic benefits of cultural buildings as destinations and the meticulous preservation and creative reuse of materials in redeveloping this site. 

What if we could help grow a neighbourhood while preserving its cultural roots? 

Join us on a journey through East London's Truman Brewery with our guest Anna Mansfield from Publica. Anna shares her team's extensive research and the invaluable data they've gathered on the wider areas of Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown to inform our current project. You'll gain insights into how this information shapes urban design, ensuring spaces remain relevant and beneficial to the local community, and hear about the critical role research plays in making informed decisions for authentic projects.

Explore the contrasting worlds of daytime and nighttime economies in Tower Hamlets and the unique challenges each presents. We discuss the critical need for safety measures for women working night shifts and highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Bangladeshi community to this place particularly. Discover how thoughtful urban development of the Truman Brewery aims to foster a more interconnected and vibrant community, leveraging data-driven insights to support the needs of a young, multicultural population.

Understand the complexities of maintaining the Truman Brewery's organic roots while planning for future growth. Anna explains the importance of balancing commercial, residential, and community spaces through both qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the importance of creating spaces that naturally encourage community interactions. 

This episode promises a deep dive into the long-term vision for creating a vibrant, inclusive addition to the neighbourhood that bridges the gap between creative industries and local people and business.

Welcome to the Grow Places podcast, your go-to source for understanding the dynamic interplay of people, growth, and place. 

In this special episode, we take you to the heart of East London, broadcasting from the iconic Truman Brewery. Here, we're collaborating with the Truman Brewery and local stakeholders from Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown to bring forward planning applications for underutilised parts of the site.

Tune in to hear how this redevelopment promises to open up previously enclosed areas, create new opportunities for local businesses, and enhance the daily lives of residents and visitors alike.

Joining us are guests Holly Wells, Associate Director, and Amr Assaad, Director at Buckley Gray Yeoman, as they discuss their roles as Masterplanner and building designer in the Truman Brewery redevelopment. Discover the masterplan behind this project, aiming to deliver a modern yet heritage led project, while fostering sustainable growth. Learn about the new public spaces, residential areas, and creative hubs designed to make this site a vibrant, inclusive community for all.

For more information on the Truman Brewery project visit trumanbreweryconsultation.co.uk.

For more insights and updates, visit growplaces.com and follow us @WeGrowPlaces on social media. 

Join us as we explore how thoughtful urban planning can create places where people and communities thrive.