Thursday 20 November 2014

Land IS available for house building in London, the answer doesn't need to be converting commercial space.

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said: "We are in a time of recovery and growth - as London becomes more and more attractive to inward investors, we need to give businesses the ability to develop and flourish. We must ensure that businesses have the space to operate in the heart of our thriving city to allow this part of London to sustain its share of jobs.

"Creating new housing supply, however, is also vital to London's continued prosperity. Firms need access to a dynamic pool of available labour, living in London, to recruit and retain the best people.

"There is a careful balancing act to be struck to ensure that the housing supply issues in London are addressed, at the same time as giving London businesses the space to grow, expand and create more jobs in the heart of our city.

"The answer to this dilemma does not need to be the conversion of existing commercial space. Land is available for house building in London. There is no shortage of brownfield, or surplus land, held either by government departments, or local councils, that could make a key contribution towards increasing the rate of housing completions."

ENDS

Media contact:
Jo Hooper, Press & Media Relations Manager
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: jhooper@londonchamber.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITOR:

1. London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the capital's largest and most representative business organisation, with members ranging in size from multi-national companies to SMEs and sole traders.
2. Getting our house in order, published by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry in May 2014 can be found here
3. Colin Stanbridge is available for further interview and comment