SINGAPORE – For transforming a derelict 27ha former rail site into a vibrant mixed-use district and creating the world’s largest clean air zone of its kind, among other efforts, London has bagged the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2026.
The award, presented biennially since 2010, recognises cities that have demonstrated good governance and foresight in tackling urban challenges, and brought benefits to their communities in the process.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan on June 15 received the award, which is organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), at a ceremony held at the Capitol Theatre.
In a statement, URA and CLC said London was awarded the eighth edition of the prize for its “exceptional capacity to reinvent itself and deliver transformational change for the densely built-up metropolis”.
The prize jury said in a citation at the awards ceremony that the city achieved positive change through resilient and innovative governance, transformative infrastructure, and creative public-private partnerships, citing the King’s Cross project as an example of successful urban rejuvenation.
The jury noted, for instance, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone – which covers 1,500 sq km – and a programme that provides free school meals to up to 270,000 students daily.
These initiatives “reflect a governance culture that aligns social, environmental and economic objectives within a coherent and future-oriented policy framework”, said the jury, which comprises a nominating committee and a prize council.
The committee reviews and examines submissions for the prize, and then recommends potential laureates to the prize council, which selects the laureate.
At a lecture where representatives from the laureate city and cities that received special mentions shared about their work, Khan said free school meals were a lifeline for him and his family.
“They allowed us to believe in a world where anything was possible, even the children who grew up in council housing like me,” he said.
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