Lunchtime Streets events return to the City of London
The City of London Corporation, in partnership with the Cheapside Business Alliance and the Fleet Street Quarter partnership, will once again be hosting free ‘Lunchtime Streets’ events as workers and visitors continue to be welcomed back to the Square Mile following the recent easing of most coronavirus restrictions.
The initiative, initially held in 2019, will see streets transformed into spaces for activities and live music to celebrate the reopening of businesses and hospitality premises.
The themed events will be held on Wednesdays (in Cheapside) and Thursdays (in Carter Lane) between 12pm and 2pm throughout August and September.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Alastair Moss, said:
“As the UK’s leading financial district, the City will continue to be a magnet for residents, workers and visitors as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
“The return of Lunchtime Streets is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the City of London, its businesses and the people who make the Square Mile a diverse and world-leading destination.”
Chair of the Cheapside Business Alliance, Charlotte Fletcher, said:
“Cheapside is ready to welcome people back – from officer workers to City day-trippers, this summer is the perfect time to return.
“Lunchtime Streets will help to showcase Cheapside, supporting our fantastic businesses and re-injecting life into our beloved City streets. I can’t wait to enjoy the entertainment and look forward to welcoming people back to the Square Mile over the coming weeks.”
Chair of the Fleet Street Quarter partnership, Alistair Subba Row, said:
“As office workers continue their return to London, and we welcome visitors over the summer, the Fleet Street Quarter partnership is proud to be backing Lunchtime Streets.
“It’s imperative that we provide the warmest welcome possible, reminding visitors how vibrant, culturally diverse and exciting London is. Lunchtime Streets is part of a package of events, public realm enhancements and other projects we are involved in to help this wonderful part of the capital bounce back and be stronger than ever.”
‘Lunchtime Streets’ is in line with the City Corporation’s ambitious Transport Strategy and draft City Plan 2036 which aim to prioritise pedestrians, promote cleaner and healthier ways to travel, and increase the amount of high-quality public space in the City.
More on ‘Lunchtime Streets’ can be found at: www.activecitynetwork.com/events/enjoy-free-lunchtime-streets-this-summer
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
Cheapside Business Alliance (CBA)
Established back in 2015, the CBA was the City of London’s pioneering first Business Improvement District. Once a medieval trading market, in recent times Cheapside has seen an unprecedented level of redevelopment and transformed into a first-class retail and leisure location. Driving the Square Mile’s ambition to become a 24/7 destination, Cheapside is fast becoming the destination of choice for corporate occupiers, investors and developers. The BID has been heavily involved in Cheapside’s evolution, taking on an all-important custodian role across the area, supporting the business community and promoting the area’s significant assets.
Now in its second five-year term following a successful renewal ballot in 2019, the BID is playing a vital role in the recovery of the City, providing a range of support services including a dedicated recovery fund to invest in projects to support the local economic recovery.
The Fleet Street Quarter partnership
Established in 2019 by a group of founding businesses, the Fleet Street Quarter partnership is working towards becoming a Business Improvement District in 2022.
The area around Fleet Street has a rich history, from its origins as an important access route in Roman times, to attracting senior clergy and churches in the Middle Ages, through to its global renown as home to printing and publishing, which started in the 16th Century.
Covering an important Gateway location, connecting the City to the West End, in more recent years the Fleet Street Quarter has evolved to attract new business sectors and is set to benefit from the anticipated growth in the City of London.
The prospect of a BID for the area represents a new opportunity for the diverse mix of businesses and stakeholder across this iconic area of London. Through this, we can collectively drive forward an agenda of transformation and improvement.
An ambitious development pipeline provides a platform to create a new narrative for an area that will foster innovation, champion culture and curate a green and sustainable business district.
Businesses will be balloted on the creation of a BID in early 2022. Working closely with partners in the City of London Corporation, the Fleet Street Quarter will add to the two established BIDs in the Square Mile and Aldgate and Cheapside.
Shani Annand-Baron
Media Officer (Planning and Transportation)
City of London Corporation
E: shani.annand-baron@cityoflondon.gov.uk