The City of London Corporation is to launch a public consultation on proposed improvements to the eastern part of the Square Mile, in a bid to bring substantial economic and environmental benefits to the area.

The consultation, which will take place over June and July 2018, is being undertaken alongside the City Property Association. It will ask businesses, workers, developers, residents and visitors for their views on a range of proposals to improve the Square Mile’s ‘Eastern Cluster’ area.

The proposals stem from a series of workshops already held with local groups. Respondents will be able to have their say on what measures they believe would improve the area, including:

• Enhancing the environment and re-balancing the allocation of space to increase pedestrian priority across the area, including St Mary Axe and Leadenhall Street;
• Greening the area through the planting of trees and the introduction of ‘pocket parks’;
• An ambitious cultural programme featuring pop-up events, art and music;
• Creating flexible spaces that support changing working patterns, including the deployment of ‘smart benches’ which feature mobile charging facilities;

Details of the full public realm consultation proposals will be available next month.

A new online portal will be launched for the consultation, which is set to go live from 15 June 2018. Drop in sessions will be held across the Square Mile, and leaflets will be available at libraries, museums and buildings in the City. Consultation events will be hosted by the City of London Corporation.

After the consultation period, the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee will meet to discuss the responses. A report will be launched in winter 2018 outlying the measures that will be undertaken and the timescales for any improvements.

Chris Hayward, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said: 

“This consultation will feature many exciting proposals to make the eastern part of the Square Mile a better place to work, live and visit.

“The measures we are proposing will cement London’s reputation as a fantastic place to come and set up a business, bringing substantial economic benefits to the area.

“I look forward to hearing people’s views on the proposals, and to engaging with respondents across the Square Mile on what they think we can do to improve the Eastern Cluster.”

Dan Scanlon, Vice President of the City Property Association said:

“As an association we have worked closely with officers on the draft proposals.

“We believe they represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to deliver transformative improvements to accommodate increasing numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, and improve air quality.

“Achieving these objectives will be vital in ensuring the Square Mile is an attractive and healthy place for workers, visitors and residents alike, and that it remains the pre-eminent global destination for business.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

For more information contact:

Nathan Rodgers, Media Officer

City of London Corporation

Nathan.rodgers@cityoflondon.gov.uk

0207 332 3451 / 07864 625086