Labour Housing Group (LHG) is proud to announce the launch of the Nicky Gavron Memorial Award, established in memory of Nicky Gavron (1941–2024) — a champion for sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred urban development.
Nicky Gavron was one of London’s most influential planners. She served as the first Deputy Mayor of London, a London Assembly Member (2000–2021), and a Haringey Councillor (1986–2002). She played a central role in shaping the capital’s strategic growth as the driving force behind the first London Plan, helping to embed sustainability, good design, and social justice at the heart of planning policy.
A founding member and long-standing Patron of the Labour Housing Group, Nicky devoted her life to improving the quality of homes and communities. Her passion for housing, planning, and environmental innovation inspired generations of campaigners, researchers, and practitioners across the country.
To honour her memory and legacy, the Labour Housing Group — with the support and participation of Nicky’s family — is launching this new award to recognise and encourage the next generation of thinkers and practitioners in housing and planning.
For further information, contact:
Sheila Spencer, LHG Secretary
in**@***********ng.org
About the Award
The Nicky Gavron Memorial Award will be given to a UK-based early career researcher, campaigner, or housing practitioner for the best written proposal (2,500–3,000 words) setting out a practical and innovative action plan to address issues Nicky championed.
The award reflects Nicky’s lifelong values:
- Improving what we plan and build through innovation
- Engaging diverse voices in planning — especially young people and women
- Emphasising sustainability and the value of nature in development
Submissions may address any of the following topics:
- Good quality housing for all, with space to play
- Rewilding and access to nature in planning and law
- Widening involvement in planning decisions
- Activism and grassroots projects
- Innovation to reduce the carbon impact of construction
- Joined-up thinking to improve outcomes for the whole community
Prize and Recognition
The winner will receive:
- A £1,000 prize, provided by the Labour Housing Group
- Publication and dissemination of their work through LHG’s website, the Red Brick blog, and relevant partner organisations and journals
- An invitation to present their ideas at the LHG Policy Day 2026
The Award Ceremony will take place at London City Hall in mid-2026, celebrating Nicky’s lasting influence on London and beyond.
Timeline
- Competition launch: 3 November 2025
- Submission deadline: 28 February 2026
- Winner informed: mid-May 2026
- Public announcement: June 2026
How to Enter
Submissions and enquiries should be sent by email to:
📧 in**@***********ng.org