16
February
2017
|
14:25
Europe/London

City of London approves Elizabeth line plaques

The City of London Corporation has today unveiled the designs for three plaques at the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) stations in the Square Mile which mark the City’s contribution to one of the UK’s biggest ever engineering projects.

In 2007, the City of London Corporation agreed to provide £200 million in funding because of the importance of the line for those who live, work in and visit the City and wider capital. The plaque designs, location and wording were today approved at the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee.

They will be placed at the entrances to Farringdon East, Liverpool Street West (Moorgate) and Liverpool Street East (Broadgate) stations.

The City has been a supporter of the project since its inception because of the Elizabeth Line’s ability to alleviate the current congestion on London's rail network and provide extra capacity to meet the anticipated growth in employment and London's population.

A City Corporation research briefing from 2015 found that by 2023 an expected 63,000 jobs in the City and the Isle of Dogs will be created as a result of the scheme. Over 450,000 people come to the City of London for work each day and the number is expect to reach 485,000 in 2023.

In addition, the Elizabeth line will benefit international leisure and business travellers with the direct train journey time from Heathrow to the City (Liverpool Street) reduced from 55 minutes to 35 minutes.

Commenting on the announcement of the plaques, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, Mark Boleat, said:

“The importance of the Elizabeth line for those who live, work in and visit the City cannot be underestimated – particularly as the number of workers in the Square Mile rapidly grows. The City of London recognised the scheme as an urgent infrastructure priority for the capital a number of years ago and were therefore more than willing to become part-funders of the line. These plaques will help mark our contribution to the Elizabeth line.”

Notes to editors

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

  • We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Trust, makes grants of around £20 million annually to tackle disadvantage across London.
  • We also help look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, the Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important commons in London.
  • We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events and research-driven policies, all reflecting a long-term approach.

See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.