Past events
February 2012
London’s Future: The City of Choice?
Will London still have a place on the world stage, and will it still be a leading global city 50 years from now? That was the topic for debate among panellists at the 2012 Forge Property Partnerships event, under the title London’s Future: The City of Choice.
And, along the way, the audience of property professionals and advisers was keen to know, what form might the opportunities take? In an evening that considered social mix, transport and communications infrastructure, and how predictors of the future usually get things massively wrong, there were a few crumbs of comfort for a packed auditorium.
Panellists agreed that London’s place as a key mover of international business ought to be assured, so long as it can move with the times – as it has so often before.
While global dynamics will move the axis of world economics from West to East, London needs to build on the industries that can’t be relocated, outsourced or generally undercut: creativity, media, clever finance, education and knowledge industries. There needs to be continued focus on planning for growth, for more dense living, and strategies to ensure London provides access and living options for all.
With moderator Anthony Hilton, financial editor of the Evening Standard, taking gentle control of proceedings, the event brought together keynote speaker and futurologist Richard Watson, head of the London Chamber of Commerce Colin Stanbridge, and Crossrail director Miles Ashley to provide their views on London’s future.
Download the FORGE 2012 Report (1.5MB, PDF)
Panel
Anthony Hilton, Financial Editor, Evening Standard
Miles Ashley, London Underground Director of Crossrail and Stations
Colin Stanbridge, CEO, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Richard Watson, Futurologist and Author
February 2011
FORGING Ahead: London’s Future
Following the success of the first event, the follow up focused on the specific issues facing London’s future growth and what could be done to overcome them.
The Rt Hon. Michael Portillo took on the role as chair, and the discussions opened with economist Tony Travers headlining the impacts of the recession on the capital.
Panellists then answered audience questions around topics including:
• The influence of sustainability on the design of buildings
• Rising office rents in central London
• Maintaining the city’s status a world financial centre at the expense of its architectural heritage
• London’s transport infrastructure problems and what needs to be done
• What the ‘Big Society’ means for London
The post-discussion networking was a useful opportunity for attendees to discuss their opinions around the debate and share their thoughts with Mr Portillo and the rest of the panel.
Panel
Liz Peace, British Property Federation
Tony Travers, LSE
Bradley Baker, Knight Frank
Helen Garthwaite, Taylor Wessing
May 2010
FORGING Ahead: London 2020
The first FORGE event saw over 170 people take part in this experimental afternoon of debate and networking.
Former MP Steven Norris took the reigns as chair, while companies representing aspects of the design & build process presented their ideas of London 2020.
Beginning with an overview from economist Erik Britton of the current financial situation and potential for London’s growth, the scene was set to pursue ideas of London as a future:
• World Class City
• Financial Capital City
• EU Capital City
• Sustainable City
• Mature City
Following a short presentation around each subject, the debate was then opened up to questions from the audience. Attendees then joined Steven Norris and the panel for networking after the discussions.
The event was rounded off by a special keynote speech by Peter Bishop, Deputy Chief Executive of the LDA, who shared the LDA’s vision of London 2020.
Panel
Robert Fry, Swanke Hayden Connell Architects
Alan Rowell, Halcrow
Steven Hale, Crofton Design
Kevin Corcoran, Schofield Lothian
Erik Britton, Fathom Financial Consulting
