Project
London Futures: Building a new vision for London to 2050 and beyond Working with senior leaders from across the city, we're undertaking an ambitious, multi-year strategic review of the city to shape London’s future to 2050 and beyond.
Our current research programme
Coronavirus: Crisis & Recovery
The coronavirus pandemic will have profound knock-on effects for almost every aspect of our lives. It is laying bare hidden problems and revealing the fragility and interdependence of much of the infrastructure that supports us. But it is also unlocking new ways of working, new partnerships and new forms of social organisation which could help London in the long term. Centre for London is committed to helping the city through the current crisis and as it meets the challenges of recovery. This programme aims to help policymakers navigate through these unprecedented times.
ResearchHousing & Neighbourhoods
London faces an acute shortage of affordable housing, eroding living standards and undermining the economy. Housing poverty, overcrowding and homelessness have risen. Many homes and neighbourhoods suffer from poor design and planning, and communities feel shut out from the way their city is changing. Our research looks for new ways for London to meet its housing needs, build better neighbourhoods, strengthen communities, enable better use of land and buildings and unlock investment. We want every Londoner to have access to good quality, affordable housing, regardless of their income, age or background.
ResearchTransport & Environment
London’s transport infrastructure is under increasing strain and public transport costs remain high. Cars dominate London's roads, contributing to air pollution, congestion and road danger, and degrading the public realm. London also needs to face up to the global climate emergency by minimising its contribution to climate change and adapting to its consequences – in everything from transport, to construction, to economic and population growth. Our work aims to create a sustainable transport system which is fair for all. We're also working to improve the public realm, healthier environment and a resilient low carbon city.
ResearchSkills & Opportunity
London’s labour market is rapidly evolving and too many Londoners are barred from the opportunities the city offers. Skills gaps hamper employers and workers alike. Low paid and poor quality jobs leave many people struggling to get by or advance. Pockets of unemployment persist. And these challenges may intensify as the continues to transform. Our work looks at the changing nature of work in London, with a focus on skills, social mobility and labour market inequalities. We want London to be a place where workers are fairly paid, feel fulfilled and secure, and able to adapt as the economy changes.
ResearchLondon, UK & the world
London's position as a global city is vulnerable to the fast-changing global economy and the uncertainties of Brexit. Concerns about regional balance within the UK throw London's role into question. Our work seeks to sustain London’s global status and strengthen its contribution to the UK, through greater devolution, governance reform, and building strong partnerships between government, civil society and business.
ResearchPublications
Reports
Nicholas J Leclerq
Report
A recovery plan for the West End We've set out a recovery plan to help the West End recover more quickly from the pandemic.
Report
London: A place for older people to call home This publication looks at London's older residents in depth, and the extent to which London is meeting their housing needs.
Other things we're working on
Blog Post
Who needs a home, and who deserves one? The debate about key worker housing in London In response to the Mayor's proposals to prioritise key workers for 'intermediate' housing, Claire Harding looks at why defining these roles can be complicated.
Private Roundtable
Partner Forum: London’s Mayor at 20 Centre for London will be joined by Robert Gordon Clark, Chairman and Partner at London Communictaions Agency and Professor Tony Travers, Director, London School of Economics.