Can the centre of the city retain its importance? Introduction

London is a world-class city and the driver of the UK economy. But it has a 19th century infrastructure inadequate for its 21st century needs. The West End is a fantastic place with the potential to be one of London’s top destinations. But the congestion on Oxford Street, problems with planning applications and borough boundaries are threatening its existence, as businesses and shoppers increasingly move to facilities out of the centre. On 8 March, the Smith Institute and the Central London Partnership, with the support of the New West End Company, hosted a round-table in which participants discussed how to retain London's leading role.

Participants
Lorraine Baldry, Chairman,Central London Partnership
Ed Balls, MP for Normanton
James Bidwell, Chief executive,Visit London
Patricia Brown, Chief executive, Central London Partnership
Raj Chada, Councillor, London Borough of Camden
Terry Farrell, Architect, Farrells
Ian Henderson, Chairman, New West End Company
Stuart Lipton, Chief executive, Stanhope plc
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London
Simon Milton, Leader, Westminster City Council
Gary Reeves, Chief executive, New West End Company
Sid Sporle, Strategic adviser, New West End Company
Wilf Stevenson (Chair), Director, Smith Institute
Tony Travers, Director, Greater London Group,London School of Economics
Susan West, Retail operations director, Selfridges

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