WPA 2021 A Year in Review

2021 highlights

Publications

Zero Carbon Westminster:

A focus on Retrofit in Historic Buildings

As outlined in our lead item, if Westminster is to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2040 the retrofitting of older buildings will need to be prioritised. We have engaged closely with both Westminster City Council and Historic England on this work, which we will build on next year with further insight on sustainability.

Global Cities Survey

Last week, in partnership with WPA, we launched our London Property Alliance Global Cities Survey. This new quarterly survey will track 16 economic indices across London and four global city competitors, using the latest data and analysis supplied by our research partner Centre for London. Read more here.  

Al Fresco Survey

Outdoor dining has played a critical role in supporting many of the 80,000 jobs in hospitality in Westminster throughout the pandemic. Our survey conducted by Yonder provided hard data to support the case for its extension in proposed new schemes which have the potential to positively transform the look and feel of the West End. Read more here.  

City Region Connectivity

We have also published research featuring a foreword by Manchester’s Metro Mayor Andy Burnham, alongside a series of recommendations in relation to the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. Produced in partnership with Sheffield Property Association, it called for greater investment in transport infrastructure to help address inequality within and between the UK’s city regions, whilst also making the case for continued investment in London. Read more here.

Westminster’s Neighbourhood Forums Guide

Produced in partnership with New West End Company and Kanda Consulting, WPA has produced a guide providing contact details and a summary of the ambitions for each of Westminster’s Neighbourhood Foums. Read more here.

Policy & consultations

WPA has submitted multiple responses at local, London and national level advocating the interests of Westminster’s built environment. From Article 4 directions to protect the CAZ, to business rates reform; Sustainability (Environment SPD) to Budget support. You can read more of our policy and consultation responses here.

Events

Over the past year, WPA has held a number of physical events following the return to the office, with more than 2,000 in person attendees, including our flagship Annual Lunch and popular Annual Dinner. Our webinars, podcasts and virtual events have been viewed/downloaded more 1,500 times. You can also subscribe and listen to our popular podcasts on Spotify, Apple or Soundcloud.

WPA Annual Lunch highlights

WPA Annual Lunch introductory video

WPA Annual Lunch brochure

Partner events

Under the London Property Alliance (CPA + WPA), we have also been proud to support a number of important industry events, including the London Open House Festival and London Real Estate Forum.

WPA NextGen

The WPA NextGen network has continued to grow over the past year, continuing its efforts supporting younger workers and driving forward the sustainability agenda. This includes a five-part podcast mini-series focused on achieving a Net Zero Carbon Westminster, which was also the theme of its in present event hosted by Grosvenor at 20 Balderton Street.

In partnership with their peers at CPA NextGen, WPA NextGen has also launched three ‘Diversifying Real Estate guides’ on race, sexuality and gender. The guides are designed to help individuals and organisations in central London’s real estate sector make the built environment more accessible and inclusive. 

Diversifying Real Estate Guidebook: Sexuality

Diversifying Real Estate Guidebook: Gender

Diversifying Real Estate Guidebook: Race

If you would like to provide feedback on our programme, or wish to receive tailored NextGen communications and invitations to events, please email Charlie-ann.cairns@cwpa.org.uk.

The WPA NextGen programme is generously supported by NextGen champion, Gardiner & Theobald.

Catch up on demand

Business Rates Briefing

Westminster's Infrastructure Coordination Development Service

Global Cities: London & New York

Homes for Westminster

Westminster's Neighbourhood Forums

Oxford Street District: West End Recovery

Keeping our members updated

WPA members receive regular and exclusive newsletters covering Westminster and wider London’s property news, planning and policy updates. 

• WPA newsletter – monthly newsletter coving the latest news and insights across Westminster
• Central London Planning and Policy newsletter – produced in collaboration Concillio, this weekly newsletter summarises key planning committee decisions in Westminster and 10 central London boroughs. Visit our dedicated planning decision portal at https://www.londonplanning.org.uk/
• Central London Politics and Planning – produced in collaboration with London Communications Agency, this monthly newsletter covers key London policy and political updates exclusively for joint Alliance members of both CPA & WPA
• Westminster Planning & Property Newsletter – this fortnightly newsletter provides updates on key Westminster’s Planning Committee decisions
• Political profiles and interviews – exclusive interviews with key London decision makers

Interviews with political leaders from the CAZ area

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Greater London Authority

Councillor Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Planning, Place and The Environment, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

Councillor Matthew Bennett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet portfolio holder for Planning, Investment and New Home, Lambeth Council

Councillor Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council

Councillor Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, Culture and an Inclusive Economy, Camden Counci

Catherine McGuinness, Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee, City of London Corporation