‘A Place to Belong’: New design competition launches to enliven Aldgate’s Public Realm

The London Festival of Architecture (powered by NLA) and Aldgate Connect Business Improvement District (BID) are launching a new design competition, ‘A Place to Belong: Goulston Street Pocket Park’.

Open to emerging creatives, the competition invites applicants to reimagine a currently underused space within the Petticoat Lane Market area. In partnership with The Colombian Coffee Company, the organisations are seeking submissions that will transform the space into a temporary pocket park that celebrates the local market and creates a welcoming, flexible space.

The competition offers an opportunity to test bold ideas and bring concepts to life in one of London’s most culturally rich areas. The winning design will host community-led activities during LFA2026, aligning with this year’s theme of Belonging, and serve as a central ‘hub’ for café customers, market visitors and residents to celebrate the area and its community.

Rosa Rogina, Director of Place Partnerships at NLA, and Director of the London Festival of Architecture, said:

“We’re pleased to be bringing an intervention into such an exciting and crucial location. We’re also very excited that the final design will form a part of this year’s LFA, bringing the festival into a new corner of the city and occupying such a lively and vibrant part of the Aldgate Connect footprint.”

The initiative supports Aldgate Connect BID’s core objectives by helping to create a safer, more welcoming neighbourhood, strengthening community connections, and enhancing the public realm. By bringing together businesses, local authorities and community partners, the BID supports the local community, improves public spaces and contributes to the area’s long‑term growth and resilience.

Will Dyson, Director of Placemaking at Aldgate Connect BID, said:

“This competition is an exciting opportunity to bring new life to an underused space in the heart of Petticoat Lane, creating somewhere welcoming that reflects the area’s character. By working with our partners, we’re proud to support a project that strengthens the local community and shows how thoughtful intervention can make a real difference in the public realm.”

Submissions for the competition close on February 12^th 2026, with the winning proposal to be announced in March. The final design will feature as part of 2026’s London Festival of Architecture, allowing the general public to experience the design first-hand.

To see the full open call and send in your applications, view the links below.