City Hall has just published Sadiq Khan’s vision statement for London - an ambitious strategic document, titled ‘A City for All Londoners’.
In Khan’s election manifesto, he promised to be the most pro-business Mayor ever, to set a target of 50 per cent affordable housing for all new developments and promised to overhaul London’s transport network. As he settles into his new role, we take a closer look at the tactics he will use to achieve these goals.
Investing in transport
As Mayor, Khan has direct control over TfL and is using it to leverage development. His core principle is that investments in transport should act as ‘catalysts for regeneration’.
City Hall will be planning housing in areas where new transport links are set to open, such as at Barking Riverside where 10,800 homes are already planned thanks to the Overground Extension, and in South East London, where the Bakerloo Line extension is helping to build 25,000 new homes.
Elsewhere, Crossrail 2, new river crossings in the East and the Elizabeth Line are all intended to be examples of public funds promoting growth and development. Perhaps the lack of growth opportunity is one reason for his lukewarm response to the Garden Bridge.
Town centre developments
Khan wants to see more development in town centres and will be intensifying development around well connected transport hubs. What is more, as the retail climate changes, town centres will increasingly become mixed use areas which include housing and community uses.
Expect to see development on or around stations, such as Southwark and Bermondsey, and much higher density development in other popular town-centre locations.
Opportunity and intensification
Opportunity Areas, such as Elephant & Castle and the Old Kent Road will continue to play a major role as new areas come on stream. Khan has also set himself a target of bringing all 31 Housing Zones to full capacity.
Moreover, two new Mayoral Development Corporations are planned through which Khan will have direct control over the planning process.
The most pro-business mayor?
Strategically, Khan pitched himself as the most pro-business mayor yet. Tactically this means, at least in part, deploying public funds to boost development.
Khan will work with major developers whilst supporting smaller ones. As the details of this developing relationship come to light, Newington will be providing ongoing updates and insights.
