London Mayor announces funding for capital’s high streets post-pandemic
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced funding for 35 projects across London to ensure the protection of the capital’s high streets post-pandemic.
The high streets of London were heavily impacted by the pandemic. The British Retail Consortium estimate there are about 5,000 fewer shops since the pandemic started. The high streets have also incurred losses of over £5bn in retail sales in central London last year.
All 35 projects will receive £20,000 each. This will be put towards bringing vacant buildings into use, protecting cultural spaces and supporting employment on the high street.
An overall of £4m of funding will be provided through the London Economic Action Partnership. From June 2021- June 2023, this funding will be used to support local councils respond the challenges faced by London’s high street and town centres.
“The shops, cafes, and other businesses on London’s local high streets have been the heartbeat of our economy, but they’ve been hit incredibly hard by the COVID pandemic,” Mayor Sadiq Khan said.
“I’m doing all I can to encourage Londoners to safely return to our high streets,” he added.
”But these ongoing partnerships with councils and businesses across the capital will be vital for guaranteeing their future growth and prosperity.”