Background
Nicky Gavron (1941–2024) was the first Deputy Mayor of London from 2000 to 2003 and then 2004 to 2008, a Haringey councillor from 1986 to 2002, a member of the London Assembly from 2000 to 2021, and the former Labour candidate for the 2004 London mayoral election. She was responsible for and oversaw the first London Plan, having been a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Cabinet, with the portfolio for spatial development and strategic planning.
Nicky was a founder member of the London branch of Labour Housing Group, and an active LHG Patron for many years. LHG greatly valued her contribution as a member and patron. She regularly helped to link LHG with other key voices in the sector and contributed her immense knowledge of planning and sustainable housing development.
In collaboration with Nicky’s family, the LHG Executive Committee agreed in 2025 to initiate an award in her memory. The award will be publicised in late 2026, with the long-term aim of it becoming an annual or biennial process.
Aims of the award
The award will be given to an early career researcher, campaigner or housing practitioner (in the first five years of their career, or a current doctoral student) for the best written proposal (2,500 – 3,000 words) setting out a practical and innovative action plan to address the issues that Nicky championed. This may include work that they have already been doing or for plans that they would like to see put in place.
The aims of the award reflect Nicky’s core values:
· Improving what we plan and build through innovation
· Engagement with a wide range of people (especially young people and women) in planning
· Emphasising the importance of sustainability and the value of nature in development
Topics
Submissions may focus on any of the following topics, which are inspired by Nicky’s interests:
· 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 carbon impact of construction
· Joined up thinking to improve outcomes for the whole community
Eligibility
The award will be open to UK-based early career (in the first five years of their career, or a current doctoral student) researchers, practitioners, and campaigners.
Format
Submissions are to take the form of a piece of writing, 2,500-3,000 words in length, and will be submitted by email.
Judges
LHG has drawn together a judging panel to include members of the LHG Executive Committee, a member of Nicky’s family, one of LHG’s patrons who worked closely with Nicky, a senior Greater London Assembly member, and an academic from the planning field.
Prize
The winner will receive:
· A £1,000 prize
· Publication and dissemination of their work through the LHG website, the Red Brick blog, and relevant partner organisations and journals
· An invitation to present their ideas at an event to be held at London City Hall, in March 2027
Timeline
· Competition launch: 1st September 2026
· Submission deadline: 4th January 2027
· Winner announced: early February 2027
· Awards ceremony: 9th March 2027
How to Enter
Submissions and enquiries should be sent by email by 4th January 2027 to in**@***********ng.org