How far has the City of London changed over the past few decades? Significantly, so it would seem. At our ‘Back to the City’ seminar, our expert panel used the history of Bracken House, home of the Financial Times, to contextualise the transformative changes that have occurred in the area.
John Robertson (Founder of John Robertson Architects and architect for the renovation of Bracken House) opened the seminar, attended by over 90 CPA members, with a presentation (view here) outlining the key features of the “high tech Gothic building”.
Attendees also heard from Richard Carson (Director at JLL), Judith Evans (Property Correspondent at Financial Times), Stephen Guy (Chief Integration Officer and Chief of Staff at McCann Worldgroup), Annie Hampson OBE (Chief Planning Officer & Development Director at the City of London Corporation) and John Robertson.
The panel discussed the how the “unique and quirky” cultural, leisure and retail offering of the City has made it an increasingly attractive place for businesses and visitors alike. The once limited offer of the City has somewhat changed with over 4500 hotel bedrooms within the confines of the area. In addition to this, connectivity and business rates were also credited as contributing factors in making the City appeal to international businesses as a headquarter location. In part, the huge range of buildings in the area has enabled a variety of occupiers to call the area home.
Audience questions included: what European cities are competing with London and how will the buildings in the City allow for a change in working practices.
Selection of the social media reaction:
It’s a full house for our seminar this morning – delighted to have so many members join us #BacktotheCity pic.twitter.com/iyhLjlwJSz
— CPA (@CPA_London) December 4, 2019
Today I learned our building, Bracken House, used to contain an actual foundry to make equipment for the FT’s printers. Great to chair discussion on City of London property with @CPA_London @cityoflondon @JRArchitects @JLL @mwgeurope and @fticonsulting
— Judith Evans (@JudithREvans) December 4, 2019
Panelists including @mccann_mw @JLLUK @FT @cityoflondon @JRArchitects take to the stage to discuss the changes they’ve seen in the City over recent years @CPA_London Back to the City seminar #GTReputation pic.twitter.com/x2AoI6Ug7x
— Gardiner & Theobald (@gt_llp) December 4, 2019
Delighted to attend this morning’s @CPA_London Breakfast Seminar ‘Back to the City’, with an insightful panel: @JRArchitects , @FT @JLL @MWGEurope & @cityoflondon #anniehampson @DavidACore @rosiealiceday @CharlesBegley01 Thank you! pic.twitter.com/BxsrnVBqVw
— Paula Gonzalez (@PaulaGonzalezUK) December 4, 2019