Know Your Neighbourhood: Fitzrovia | LFA 2026
What makes a neighbourhood feel like home?
In this episode of Talking Place's Know Your Neighbourhood series, host Tanisha Raffiuddin visits Fitzrovia with Marcos Gold, Director of Policy and Place at The Fitzrovia Partnership.
Recorded as part of the London Festival of Architecture's 2026 theme of Belonging, this conversation explores how one of central London's most dynamic neighbourhoods balances change, heritage and community.
From hidden streets and independent businesses to stories of activism, public space and local identity, discover why Fitzrovia is often described as the place locals tell you to visit.
In this episode you will discover:
• Why Fitzrovia feels different from other central London neighbourhoods
• The power of discovery in shaping memorable places
• What belonging means in a constantly changing city
• Fitzrovia's connection to Princess Diana and AIDS activism
• Why green space matters for urban wellbeing
• The role of people in creating successful places
Know Your Neighbourhood is produced in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture 2026.
Five neighbourhoods.
Five conversations.
One question: what does it mean to belong?
Chapters
• 00:00 What is Fitzrovia?
• 01:00 Where it sits in London
• 02:00 What creates a sense of belonging
• 03:20 The BT Tower & place identity
• 04:00 Hidden restaurants & local favourites
• 05:30 Discoverability & navigation
• 07:20 Why people keep coming back
• 09:00 Community & connection
• 11:00 Fitzrovia’s untold history
• 13:00 The future: green spaces & wellbeing
Mentions
• BT Tower
• Fitzroy Square
• Charlotte Street
• Great Titchfield Street
• Alfred Place
• London Festival of Architecture
• Find Fitzrovia programme
About Our Guest
Marcos Gold is the Director of Policy and Place at The Fitzrovia Partnership
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Talking Place is hosted by Tanisha Raffiuddin, Creative Director at Concept Culture.
New episodes every fortnight exploring placemaking, urban design, branding, and the stories behind the spaces we inhabit.
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