Coin Street Stories

As the once derelict South Bank began to be rapidly redeveloped in the late 1970s, a dedicated and passionate group of south London locals joined forces to petition for a community plan that prioritised people, homes and community facilities.

In 1977 the Coin Street Action Group was set up in response to plans to completely redevelop the areas of the South Bank around the Oxo Tower and Gabriel's Wharf. The local organisation proposed that instead of closing the area off to the public in favour of offices and other private developments, the area should be held for the community.

Social co-operative housing, a new riverside park and walkway, shops and community facilities were all proposed by the group, and after several years of hard work the Coin Street community was born.

Large areas of the South Bank that visitors know and love today, such as the iconic Oxo Tower wharf, the quirky Gabriel's Wharf enclave, the Coin Street Community Centre and the beautiful Bernie Spain Gardens, all became the fantastic public spaces that they are today thanks to the hard work of the Coin Street Community Builders.

This year the Coin Street community celebrates its 40th anniversary. To make the occasion gallery@oxo presents this unique exhibition that tells the stories of the people of Coin Street in their own words, reflecting the essence of this inspirational neighbourhood that is powered by social enterprise.