BE News Roundtable: The General Election - What Does It Mean For Real Estate?
Earlier this month New West End Company in association with BE News and James Andrew International, brought together a panel of C-Suite industry guests from across the built environment for a roundtable discussion exploring the likely outcome of the general election, what the future might hold under a new government and the ramifications for real estate in London and across the UK.
Guests included representatives from businesses such as Colliers, Coutts, Opportunity London, Avison Young, Soho Estates, High Street Task Force and London School of Economics. Led by BE News Editor-in-Chief Liz Hamson participants enjoyed a fruitful discussion over lunch where they were asked to compare and contrast Labour and Tory policies, assess whether real estate would rise up the political agenda again post-election and identify the pressing industry issues that need addressing.
New West End Company Chief Execuitve Dee Corsi was in attendance to share her thoughts on the evolution of retail and in particular focussing on the revitalisation of Oxford Street as the nation’s high-street over the last 18 months, she commented:
“It’s been changing for many years, and we’re fortunate now that [companies] like Ikea are showing a commitment, which is a talking point. It’s not just 1.8km of traditional retail anymore. [People] want to come for more, [for the experiences]. It’s a day trip. It’s about visiting with friends and families. We’re working with Westminster City Council on the public realm because that has to harmonise with the investment happening inside the buildings, which do contain retail but also hospitality, leisure and, importantly, offices above them.”
