How can high streets drive London’s economy?
Despite 90 per cent of all Londoners living within 10 minutes of their local high street,1 the British retail industry is thought to be facing a “permacrisis” since the 2008 financial crisis.2
This is a result of factors including the rise of online shopping, changes in consumer preferences and “rapid debt-fuelled expansion” combined with low profitability and low investment.3
Following a site visit and roundtable discussion in Wood Green on 15 October, the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet tomorrow to question experts on the main challenges and opportunities for London’s high streets following recent economic instability.
The Committee will aim to identify what support for high streets is being provided by the Government, the Mayor, and local authorities, and examine how high streets in London can contribute to economic growth and cultural value.
The guests are:
Panel 1: 10:00am – 11:30am:
- Nick Plumb, Associate Director for Policy and Insight, Power to Change
- Dr Jan Kattein, Director of Jan Kattein Architects and Lecturer in Architecture at University College London
- Rumi Bose, Placeshaping & Regeneration Consultant, Rumi Bose Ltd
- Chris Paddock, Freelance Economic Consultant
Panel 2: 11:35am – 1pm:
- Louise Duggan, Head of Regeneration and Growth Strategies, Greater London Authority (GLA)
- Tim Rettler, Area Manager South (Regeneration - Growth Strategies), GLA
- Grace Nelson, Town Centre Manager (Harlesden, Willesden Green), London Borough of Brent
- Elizabeth Harris, Regeneration and Growth Service Manager, London Borough of Sutton
The meeting will take place on Thursday 14 November 2024 from 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- GLA, High Streets for All
- Centre for Retail Research, The Crisis in Retailing: Closures and Job Losses, January 2024
- Centre for Retail Research, The Crisis in Retailing: Closures and Job Losses, January 2024
- Full agenda papers.
- Marina Ahmad AM, Chair of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Tony Smyth in the Assembly Media Office on 07763 251727 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.