The origins of Lambeth come from Lambehitha meaning “landing place for lambs”. The unique vision of Jamie’s Farm, a community city farm, brings back lambs (as well as goats, chickens, other animals and productive planting) to the area and a reference to its historic use as farmland. The site was an overgrown and neglected plot of land on the south side of Westminster Bridge, owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital who have negotiated the lease. The farm and studio has created a growing oasis amidst a busy part of Central London.

Part of the farm masterplan is the covered outdoor learning barn on the eastern end of the site. Drawing inspiration from traditional tithe barns, the truss form of the Douglas Fir framed barn gives character to the space and its structure can be seen through the corrugated glass fibre cladding which wraps around the outside of the building. Inside sits a small classroom, clad in galvanised steel and lined internally with birch-faced ply. It provides a more traditional teaching environment while retaining the simple, agricultural aesthetic of the rest of the site.

All the buildings on the site have been designed to be demountable, allowing them to be taken down and reconstructed on a new site once the meanwhile use lease comes to an end. The prefabricated timber frames can be deconstructed and rebuilt, and mechanical fixings can be removed without damage to the structure.

Waterloo City Farm enables Wiltshire-based Jamie’s Farm to bring its work to central London through a partnership with Oasis Hub Waterloo. Jamie’s Farm’s ‘Farming, Family and Therapy’ scheme supports disadvantaged students through daily farm activities, from lambing and hay making to cooking, gardening, carpentry, horse care, and art. Children also take part in one-to-one and group sessions, with support for returning to school. A 2021 report found a 61% improvement in mental wellbeing and 58% higher self-esteem. Before attending, 68% of pupils were not on track in core subjects; this fell to 30% afterwards. Of those at risk of exclusion, 66% were no longer at risk after six weeks.