Central London authorities have vowed to ‘slash the Gordian knot’ of wayleave negotiations that block office tenants in the capital from getting superfast broadband in good time.

SME tenants are the worst affected by professional fees and the time lost as they negotiate, clause by clause, with landlords over the physical works necessary to get the fibre in.

So the City of London Corporation, along with the Central London Forward boroughs, is working with London’s main developers, landlords, broadband operators and property managers to produce a template wayleave agreement with standardised clauses to resolve delays and speed up the delivery of superfast broadband.

The project is designed to cut waiting times from as much as a year to a few weeks.

Charles Begley, CEO of the City Property Association and Westminster Property Association, said:

“This is an important body of work which will help simplify and speed up the often torturous process of getting essential utilities into new buildings. The current system is clearly not fit for purpose and is adding unnecessary costs and delays to London businesses at a time when we need to be focusing on our competitiveness in the face of growing international competition.”

The British Standards Institution has been commissioned to help and an in-depth consultation with the property and telecoms industries has already begun. The City of London Law Society will help to draft the template which will then be reviewed by senior representatives from telecoms operators, developers, property managers and landowners. The final draft will be promoted to the property and telecoms industries and associated trade bodies for their routine adoption.

Digital Minster Ed Vaizey has endorsed the project and has written to major landlords and operators asking for their support. The Greater London Authority has also agreed to promote the standardised wayleave alongside the Mayor of London’s forthcoming “Connectivity Rating Scheme” guidance for landlords.

Those interested in becoming involved, especially from the property management industry, are asked to contact Jacqui.burman@bsigroup.com

ENDS

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing authority for the City of London and a major public services provider across the capital. It has three main roles: (i) supporting and promoting the City as a world-leading financial and business centre (ii) supporting London’s communities by working in partnership with the capital’s boroughs on economic regeneration, education, and skills projects (iii) looking after culture, heritage and green spaces across London - including the Museum of London, Barbican Centre, Guildhall School, the Old Bailey, Tower Bridge, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches. Visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for further details about our unique and diverse role and www.cityoflondon.police.uk for the City of London Police.