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A new future for suburban town centres

North London is taking the lead on asking what is the future of our town centres.

A major conference was held yesterday to consider what is the economic future for London’s suburban town centres – and can we make them better places to work, shop and play.

Enfield Council leader Mike Rye says: “Town centres are the lifeblood of any community and we must look to ways of safeguarding their future if they are to thrive and attract new investment to provide employment and services for generations to come.”

Gary Ince, CEO of North London Business, says: “This event saw senior executives from local authorities, public agencies and the private sector all come together at City Hall with the Mayor with  the common purpose of discussing how to protect and nurture the diverse range of town centres in the area.  The event was a further sign of the dynamic partnership spirit that is driving the area forward.”

“London’s suburbs over the coming decade will see massive changes – as the population grows and becomes increasingly diverse. We need to plan now so our town centres can provide a variety of services – as well as attract a variety of employers.” added Dr Stephen King, Assistant Director, North London Strategic Alliance.

The event takes forward the London Mayor’s agenda of developing a city of many vibrant centres.  The Mayor spoke about the importance of growing local economies – providing a range of services for suburban communities.

Speakers included:
• Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London
• Councillor Mike Rye, Leader, London Borough of Enfield
• Councillor Mike Freer, Leader, London Borough of Barnet

This conference brought together key stakeholders from the six boroughs in north London which lie at the heart of the housing growth agenda; Barnet, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Redbridge and Waltham Forest – representing some 20% of London’s projected housing growth.

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