Author: Fred Rodgers

The following is an extract from a paper to be submitted for approval to the Court of Common Council on 07 October by Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair and Wendy Hyde, Chair Culture, Heritage and Libraries:

Destination City – Strategic Review is a proposed programme of work setting out a renewed vision for the Square Mile to become the world’s most attractive destination for workers, residents and visitors.

The review will span all the elements that make for an attractive destination, engaging with numerous sectors including retail, hospitality, culture and heritage, and the night-time economy.

Numerous business areas across the City Corporation will be consulted to gather evidence and co-create a shared vision, while testing the feasibility and implications of proposed activities.

External engagement and relationship building will also be an integral pillar of the programme. Interviews and workshops with stakeholders will identify the City’s strengths, as well as new activities for development. This work will be underpinned by research exploring innovations in other global destinations.

The review will be led by Danny Lopez, founding head of London & Partners and former Consul General in New York. Danny will be working on a pro bono basis. He will be supported by Kate Keating, an external advisor with extensive experience in marketing.

The report will go to the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, then Policy & Resources Committee in the winter months. It is hoped that this will then be submitted to Court early next year.

We have been promised a workshop in the Barbican, “in the coming weeks”, so City Corporation “can hear our views directly”.