Felicity James, Graduate Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, reflects on the NLA and AtkinsRéalis roundtable exploring how the London Growth Plan’s ambitions can be turned into action.

On 6th May 2025, the NLA, in collaboration with AtkinsRéalis, hosted a roundtable event focused on "The London Growth Plan in Action: Turning Drive into Delivery." This insightful discussion brought together key professionals from the built environment sector to delve into how the ambitious goals of the London Growth Plan can be effectively translated into actionable strategies and tangible outcomes. 

The conversation began with an emphasis on broadening the dialogue around economic growth.  It was highlighted that while the London Growth Plan aims to restore productivity growth to 2% per annum, this is not just about economic growth but also about reaffirming London's status as a leading global city.  London is unique in hosting a major global economy, often compared to the larger global cities in terms of its investment status. 

The London Growth Plan identifies key sectors with substantial growth potential, such as frontier innovation centres, financial services, professional businesses, creative industries, and international education. It responds to six major shifts, including changes in labour supply, the evolving nature of work, the evolving nature of global trade, and the climate emergency. These shifts are interlinked with goals in housing, health, and energy/environment, which are crucial for London's growth. The plan aims to focus attention on a clear vision, pointing investors to key opportunities, leveraging conversations with the government, and outlining both short-term actions and long-term strategies. 

The importance of partnerships and collaboration was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Strategic partnerships with the UK government are crucial to ensure that London's growth acts as a gateway for investment into the rest of the country. The built environment sector must collaborate effectively to deliver homes, infrastructure, and other essential services. Major property and infrastructure providers play a pivotal role in supporting the plan, bringing both practical and theoretical solutions to the table and emphasising the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors. Universities were also identified as powerful partners, attracting wider investment and connecting with employers. They are well-aligned to meet the proposed shift in the skills system to be more employer-led. 

Flexibility in policy to adapt to future needs and the resilience required in uncertain times were also stressed. The discussion highlighted the uncertainty of future demands and the need to build places for an unknown future, including evolving pastimes and spending patterns. For example, flexibility around the type of shops on the high street will allow London boroughs to retain individuality and support place-based regeneration. It was noted that any policy framework should recognise that one size does not fit all and aim to provide flexibility and deliver multiple priorities, such as housing, jobs, and quality places, while protecting and maintaining a healthy environment. 

The plan outlines five key areas of action: 

Concluding Thoughts
 
The roundtable concluded with a focus on the need for a structure that provides flexibility, the importance of London's connection to the rest of the UK and its global position, and the critical role of collaboration within the built environment sector. The London Growth Plan aims to create a shared narrative and empower organisations to work together, ‘building an ecosystem rather than a hierarchy’. This event highlighted the collective effort required to turn the vision of the London Growth Plan into reality, ensuring that London's growth is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial for the entire UK.