Future proofing London

“The London property market has finally caught on to the fact that people who live in cities need and want variety in commercial spaces. However, residential is lagging behind this realisation because of the buoyancy of the market”
Lee Polisano, president, PLP Architecture

“While tech has been a driver of Shoreditch and east London, we were attracted to the area because there is a much bigger story to it than that. London has begun to move east: Old Street has matured from a mixed-use standpoint”
Nick lyle, founding partner, Crosstree Real Estate

“The boundaries between the West End and the City have become more blurred. People are more footloose about their choice of location because they are seeking space in a pleasant environment and that was a major driver behind Amazon’s recent decision to take space at 60 Holborn Viaduct”
Philip Pearce, executive director, central London agency, Savills

“When we create new infrastructure — be it transport or new housing — that has a big impact on the local community. So you need to bring them along with you”
Lorraine Baldry, chairman, Inventa Partners

“Whether you are talking about the private-rented sector or value for investors or occupiers, the challenge is that land is too expensive. Until you get third-party interference it will be hard to create affordability”
James Lock, managing director, real estate group, Blackstone

Our panel of experts

Nigel Bidwell, partner, Farrells
Richard Blakeway, deputy mayor for housing, land and property, Greater London Authority
Stephen Down, head of central London and international, Savills
James Goldsmith, director, central London markets, Savills
Simon Hope, global head of capital markets, Savills
Rosemarie MacQueen, strategic director, built environment, Westminster City Council
Juliette Morgan, consultant, Tech City Investment Organisation
Scott Parsons, head of property, London portfolio, Land Securities
Mike Phillips, acting editor, Property Week (chair)