New London Architecture (NLA) in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council and The Ninety Four Group, have launched a design competition to create bold ‘welcome’ features for London’s famous Whitechapel Market.
Open to architects, landscape architects, designers and artists, this exciting open call seeks innovative public realm proposals that celebrate the unique character of Whitechapel and its community, transforming key locations along Whitechapel Road to better signify the market and welcome both locals and visitors. The goal is to commission an innovative and impactful design that enhances the public realm and serves the local community more effectively.
Up to six teams will be shortlisted in August 2025 and awarded an honorarium of £2,000 + VAT each to develop their designs further. Shortlisted proposals will be exhibited publicly in early autumn 2025 to gather community feedback, with the winning team announced in October. The final design will be delivered for installation in summer 2026 to coincide with the London Festival of Architecture.
Design for Diversity, Identity and Public Life
Entrants are invited to develop proposals that bring new visual focal points to the market’s west, east, and station entrances – creating a stronger sense of arrival, identity, and pride in place. The brief calls for permanent installations that are imaginative, inclusive, and representative of Whitechapel’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Submission Details
The competition is open to architects, designers, artists, and other creatives. Collaborations are encouraged – particularly those involving local organisations or underrepresented groups.
The deadline for first stage submissions is 12:00 on Thursday 24 July 2025.
Find out more at the websites below
UK.GOV – https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/033920-2025
Tower Hamlets Council – https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/News_events/2025/June/New-design-competition-%27Gateways-to-Whitechapel-Market%27-at-one-of-London%27s-most-famous-markets.aspx
NLA – https://nla.london/news/gateways-to-whitechapel-new-design-competition-launches
World Landscape Architecture is not involved or connected to this competition. Please submit any questions to the organisers via the websites listed above.
