The Role of Community and Culture in Placemaking: A conversation with Cllr Kemi Akinola
In the episode 6 of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin speaks with Cllr. Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council and a driving force behind community engagement and social development in the borough. From her beginnings in architecture to her current role in public service, Kemi’s journey exemplifies a commitment to fostering inclusive and vibrant communities.
Keep reading for key takeaways from this insightful conversation.
From Architecture to Public Service
Kemi’s path to public service was anything but linear. Originally trained as an architect, she was driven by a desire to design better social housing after growing up in poorly designed council flats. However, a car accident altered her career path, leading her into youth work and eventually local government.
Now, as Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, Kemi’s focus is on creating spaces that work for all residents, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities. Her architecture training still informs her work, shaping her approach to community spaces and public services.
What Makes a Place?
“For me, place is home, it’s where you feel most comfortable, where you know people, where you can walk to the shops and see familiar faces.”
For Wandsworth, Kemi envisions places that are more than just retail zones—they should be vibrant neighbourhoods that foster connections among residents. This includes ensuring access to local amenities like corner shops, parks, and community centres that serve as gathering points and help build a sense of belonging.
Community Ownership: The Future of Placemaking
In a borough with stark economic contrasts, Kemi believes that community ownership can be a transformative tool. She advocates for projects that allow local residents to have a stake in the spaces they use, whether that’s through community-led housing initiatives or business cooperatives.
One example is the landlord licensing scheme, which encourages responsible property management by registering landlords who commit to maintaining quality living conditions for tenants. Kemi is also pushing for more social housing that remains under council control, ensuring affordability and security of tenure for local residents.
The Impact of Cultural Programming
As Wandsworth’s tenure as London Borough of Culture 2025 begins, Kemi is focused on using the programme to foster greater community cohesion. She wants residents to experience new cultural activities, meet new people, and feel more connected to their neighbourhoods.
“Culture is everything that makes you who you are, It’s the food you eat, the music you listen to, the places you go.”
For Kemi, the goal is to make culture accessible and inclusive, from street parties to local art exhibitions, ensuring that everyone in Wandsworth has the opportunity to participate.
Looking Forward: Placemaking and Community Empowerment
When asked about her vision for Wandsworth’s future, Kemi emphasises the importance of retaining the borough’s character while making it more accessible and inclusive.
“I want people to feel rooted here, to know their neighbours, to feel they have a say in what happens in their community.”
Kemi is actively supporting initiatives that help local residents gain more control over the spaces they occupy, whether through asset transfer programmes or community cooperatives. By empowering residents to take ownership of their local environment, she hopes to foster a more connected, vibrant Wandsworth.
Curious to know more about Kemi and her insights on place?
Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube to hear Tanisha Raffiuddin and Cllr Kemi Akinola’s conversation about the role of community and culture in placemaking.
Stay connected with us on Talking Place’s Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, and TikTok for updates on upcoming episodes, where Tanisha talks with experts across the built environment. From placemaking and branding to sustainability, finance, health, culture, and more, each episode shares valuable insights and practical advice to help inspire your place-based projects and initiatives.
‘Talk’ soon!