Regeneration and growth in outer London — challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Global cities face many challenges, London is no different. The push and pull mechanism of population changes, as London continues to attract new talent for growth and the capital necessary to facilitate this, makes London a city of opportunity. However, this brings with it challenges that are to be met with principles of good growth if London is to benefit from it. The current mayor, Sadiq Khan, has set out his ambitions to deliver on the opportunities from the challenges of regeneration and growth. With the emphasis on housing, the south-east London Borough of Bexley approach to growth is best placed to support many of the principles and the broad vision set out in the London Plan (LP).1 This paper outlines the main focus points in our broad growth strategy up until 2050 and how we can accommodate the population changes in London by reconsidering our relationship with London as a gateway location within a key growth corridor. However, the challenges of delivering the LP through our principles of good growth lie in the significant differences between housing, transport and parking. We also touch on how our private company BexleyCo and our master planning approach can help us better control growth. However, the London Plan has a funding gap of some UK £3.1bn per annum, and it needs to be bridged. If not, the potential of regeneration and growth of outer London Boroughs could be significantly pushed back creating more pressure on inner London.