Business Improvement District (BID) Better Bankside has appointed Leo Charleson as its new Placemaking Manager. Leo’s role will drive creative and community-focused projects that make Bankside’s streets, squares, gardens and other spaces happier, greener, and more welcoming for everyone who lives, works or visits here. Working with member businesses and the community, Leo will design and deliver transformative projects, from small-scale cultural activations and urban greening to larger public realm projects.
Leo steps into the role at a pivotal moment, and will be leading on a range of high-profile area projects. These include an upcoming cultural collaboration with Tate Modern, bringing world-class art directly onto the streets of Bankside. Leo will also be involved in the exciting redevelopment of America Street and the reimaging of the Hope Exchange site – a space for people to sit, relax and interact. He will be also involved in urban greening, upgrading Better Bankside’s Better Air benches – street furniture that combines seating with biodiverse planting.
Leo’s passion and energy for placemaking, and desire to create urban environments that prioritise people over traffic, led to his selection for the role. His passion for the Bankside area was also a determining factor, with his understanding of its distinctive blend of industrial heritage and modern creativity – from historic markets and cultural institutions to a broad and lively range of businesses and its world-renowned hospitality offer.
Leo is particularly excited to contribute to Better Bankside’s Low Line initiative, a long-term collaboration which is transforming the previously unused network of historic Victorian railway arches that run through Bankside into dynamic business and cultural spaces.
Of his new appointment, Leo said: “Joining Better Bankside is a fantastic opportunity to shape one of the most unique neighbourhoods of London. I’m excited about leading our forthcoming placemaking projects and ensuring we’re pushing the boundaries of what a BID can achieve. For me, it’s about making a tangible difference – creating streets that feel more vibrant and resilient. There’s a distinct energy here, and I’m excited to play my part in making Bankside an even better place to work and live.”
Having studied Geography at the University of Manchester, Leo has worked in a variety of roles delivering sustainable infrastructure in the public realm. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Design Engineer and Project Manager at a renewable energy company, and has also delivered public realm projects with local authorities and other London BIDs.
Nicole Gordon, CEO of Better Bankside added; “Leo impressed us with both his technical expertise and his clear commitment to creating happiness-oriented places. His experience delivering environmentally conscious projects, combined with his enthusiasm for Bankside’s unique character, makes him a fantastic addition to the team. We are excited to see how his vision and energy will help shape the next phase of our placemaking work.”
Leo’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Better Bankside, as the BID continues to deliver initiatives that enrich the neighbourhood’s streets, celebrate its unique “London’s Other Side” identity, and support its future as one of London’s most distinctive and dynamic places.
Better Bankside aims to ensure the neighbourhood is not only future-ready, but also a leader in sustainable urban working and living, helping businesses meet changing environmental requirements and make Bankside greener, stronger and happier.
