99BG BISHOPSGATE | SRD CULTURE, BROOKFIELD PROPERTIES, RSHP

Commissioned by SRD Culture Ltd., our team built the cultural planning document under the direction of Sherry Dobbin. WE-DESIGNS provided the overall design strategy for the new cultural development and planning document. Working closely with the Director of SRD Culture, our team focused on organizing and developing the design direction of the Cultural Planning Document that SRD Culture Ltd. workshopped with Brookfield Properties and RSHP on for over 9-months.

The Cultural Plan design by WE-DESIGNS with SRD Culture Ltd, submitted with a redevelopment planning application for Brookfield Properties (UK) with architects RSHP was unanimously approved by the City of London Corporation’s Planning Sub-committee.

Brookfield Properties’ 99 Bishopsgate redevelopment, includes a 6-storey, standalone cultural center called ‘Open Gate.’ The cultural plan strategy developed by SRD Culture Ltd, visually communicated by WE-DESIGNS, resulting from extensive research and co-design workshops with young creators, re-envisioned its historic location of controlling access, as a cultural gateway welcoming in under-represented voices as creators and audiences.

Sherry Dobbin called upon WE-DESIGNS to visually communicate what Council Members noted as “the thorough method that the applicant used for choosing cultural offerings, and thought that this could help inform the development of the City’s own framework for cultural space.”

Executive Summary & Mission Statement
Open Gate is more than just a cultural hub; it’s a beacon of inspiration and creativity for us and our community. With a diverse array of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, the centre will enrich our lives and celebrate diversity. Its presence will enhance our city’s cultural landscape and stimulate economic growth by attracting tourists and supporting local businesses. Open Gate will serve as a dynamic catalyst for community engagement, artistic expression, and collective enrichment.

Background
99 Bishopsgate represents the position of the old Bishopsgate, one of the gateways of the Roman London Wall, which historically separated those ‘without’ (from the East End) and those ‘within’ the old City walls. While the gate was demolished in 1760s, consultations over the past 5-10 years indicate that the Londoners still hold this East End phantom barrier. We propose to recognise the area’s heritage while also transforming its gateway purpose into a new pavilion under the title of Open Gate.

The City of London’s future is instilled in the vision of an Open Gate – immediately recognisable, approachable and inspiring – acting as a cultural beacon that welcomes all.

Team Credits
Design Direction: Wendy W Fok

Design Team
Lead Designer: Jessica Marquez
Design Assistants: JJ Jin, Thomas Wang

Partnership & Collaborators
SRD Culture Ltd.
Brookfield Properties UK
RSHP (Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)

ClientSRD Culture, Brookfield Properties, RSHPLocationLondon, United KingdomYear2024/25StatusCultural Planning (Design-Development)