We are pleased to announce that tickets for the 2023 WPA Annual Lunch are now on sale.
Our flagship event, the Annual Lunch is one of the largest gatherings of real estate professionals in the UK, with more than 1,200 guests.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday 16 November. Early booking is recommended to secure a table, as we anticipate strong demand.
WPA members are invited to join forces with us and our charity partner this year, the Young Westminster Foundation (YWF), to help attract more local people into the property industry.
YWF works across Westminster’s deprived wards to support young people who face multiple barriers to entering the world of work. The borough has some of the highest levels of deprivation and youth unemployment in the country, despite the wealth of the West End.
Supporters are being asked to commit between £5,000-£15,000 (depending on the level of your engagement) to participate in WPA’s partnership with YWF aimed at helping our members tap into a diverse pool of local talent currently excluded from opportunities in the sector.
For more information and to get involved as a corporate supporter of YWF Mastering My Future property programme, please contact Rosie on rosie.day@cwpa.org.uk or Zahid on zahid@youngwestminster.com.
Sustainable City Charter latest signatories
GPE has become the latest sign up to WPA and Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter. The Charter has now had 99 expressions of interest, 29 of which are full signatories. You can view the full list of current participants here.
Ukraine community appeal for space
A Westminster-based community group is seeking space to conduct weekend and evening workshops and training for Ukrainian refugees interested in developing careers in modelling and fashion. Classes usually host between 10 and 20 people, although larger space for more attendees would also be appreciated. if you can potentially help the group and wish to find out more please email team@cwpa.org.uk.
Council calls for HMRC to crack down on candy shops
In a two-page story for the Evening Standard, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at the City Council has called for greater help and transparency in the fight to tackle candy stores and unpaid business rates on Oxford Street.
The new economic plan builds on the City Council's overarching Fairer Westminster Strategy and recommendations from the Future of Westminster Commission. Key objectives include improvement of high streets, supporting small independent businesses and upgrading Oxford Street as a more desirable shopping destination.
Following the Future of Westminster Commission’s Housing Review, the City Council has agreed 31 key recommendations and suggestions for increasing the supply of affordable housing. Read more here.
Proposals for alfresco dining and public realm improvements in Pimlico have been supported by c75% of local residents. Read more here.
A new cycle route, Cycleway 43, connecting Hyde Park and Gloucester Place has been proposed. Find out more here.
Leader of the City Council Cllr Adam Hug reflects on one year of a Labour administration at Westminster. Read more here.
Cllr Patricia McAllister has been elected the new Lord Mayor of Westminster. Read more here.
Other news and updates
Entries now open for Women in Property Awards
Members and stakeholders are encouraged to consider entering nominees for the upcoming Property Week’s Inspiring Women in Property Awards. Entrants can submit multiple entries across the 16 categories celebrating the women, men, teams and initiatives dedicated to improving equality, diversity and inclusivity for women in property. There is no cost to enter, and the deadline for submission is Wednesday 31 May.
The UK's busiest rail line celebrates its first year of operation today, hitting 150 million journeys made. The line averages 24 trains an hour during peak times with Tottenham Court Road seeing the largest increase of more than 100,000 additional journeys a day, more than doubling its usage since it first opened.
Charity Unfold is seeking mentors for their programme to support young people in and around Westminster. As a mentor you will guide your mentee over 12 to 24 weeks to help them achieve their goals and boost confidence.
To find out more and sign up visit their website here.
Left to right: WPA Chair Marcus Geddes with guest speaker Eniola Aluko; guests enjoying the event
WPA Dinner
It was fantastic to welcome over 450 members and guests to the WPA Annual Dinner at The Londoner hotel. The event brought property industry professionals together in the heart of the West End for an evening of celebration and reflection.
Guests were welcomed by WPA Chair Marcus Geddes (Managing Director - Workplace, Landsec) who highlighted the resilience of the West End and spoke of the critical role the property sector has in driving social and economic prosperity across Westminster and beyond. Thank you to everyone who generously supported our charity partner, Landaid on the night we are delighted to have raised over £6,600 for their ongoing mission to end youth homelessness. You can donate to Landaid here.
Attendees were treated to an after-dinner speech and Q&A session with former professional footballer and sport pundit Eniola Aluko. Eni gave an inspiring speech about leadership, teamwork, setbacks and inclusion - as well as sharing advice on how she navigated her path to sporting and personal success.
Westminster Business Council is hosting an evening event providing knowledge and showcasing best practice on a range of issues concerning ESG for local businesses.
Date: Thursday 25 May
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, London, SE1 2NQ
The Mayor of London is consulting on new Affordable Housing and Development Viability London Plan Guidance (LPG). The guidance sets out how viability assessment should be carried out in accordance with the London Plan and covers requirements for different types of affordable housing.
A month-long celebration of architecture launches in June
Taking place every June across London, the London Festival of Architecture is a month-long celebration of architecture and city-making. Westminster highlights include tours of the Supreme Court, the garden village of Pimlico and Westminster Cathedral.
The Rise Initiative UK: Elevating Diversity Within CRE
Tickets are now available for the inaugural launch of the Rise Initiative UK. Honouree companies and their DEI-focused initiatives will be showcased, as well as talks with expert panellists from all walks of the UK real estate community. Panellists will give their take on the current market, share career advice and discuss innovative strategies to overcome challenges.
Date: Thursday 22 June
Time: 3:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: The Black & White Building | TOG (74 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY)
Both WPA and CPA members have access to our comprehensive database of all major decisions from central London's major planning committees. These can be viewed on our Planning News page.
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Westminster Property Association, Bloomsbury Building, 10 Bloomsbury Way, Holborn, London WC1A 2SL, United Kingdom
