Marcus Geddes (Managing Director, Workplace, Landsec) has been formally elected as the new WPA Chair for a two-year term at our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday. Alongside him, appointed by the Board as Vice Chair will be James Raynor (Chief Executive, Grosvenor Property UK).
Marcus takes over the leadership from Paul Williams (Chief Executive, Derwent London) following the conclusion of his successful two year term. His exemplary stewardship of the WPA has been instrumental in its continued strength, helping to steer the organisation through the pandemic and political change. You can read our press release on our WPA Board appointments here.
In an address to members and stakeholders following his appointment Marcus set out the Association's business priorities for 2023/24 under his tenure:
Supporting the West End’s economic, social and cultural resilience
Championing a sustainable City
Strong private and public sector collaboration
A more diverse and equitable future for Westminster’s young people
He added: “Despite global volatility and domestic political issues, the West End’s resilience has continued to surpass all expectations. But success cannot be taken for granted….we must work together to ensure it enables inclusive growth as part of a sustainable global city.” You can read his full speech here, as well as more about Marcus' appointment in the media including EG and Property Week.
Council Leader praises partnership with WPA
The Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug praised the power of partnership with the WPA in his keynote speech at the Association’s AGM reception, hosted by The Portman Estate at One Great Cumberland Place.
Updating more than 170 guests on the Labour administration’s first year in power, he thanked the WPA for its essential role in developing the Sustainable City Charter, and other initiatives, adding: “Partnership is essential in order to address some of the most pressing issues in the city – the need for good jobs, affordable housing, tackling the climate emergency.” Emphasising the potential to build meaningful public and private collaboration across the industry to deliver a fairer, more inclusive and prosperous Westminster. You can read his full speech here.
Newly appointed WPA NextGen Chair Emma Lally (Senior Consultant, Momentum Transport Consultancy) provided closing remarks and explained the forthcoming NextGen programme. She replaces outgoing NextGen Chair Ciara Daffy (Asset Manager, CBRE IM) who the Association thanks for her contribution to its work. Emma will be supported by new NextGen Vice Chair Rupert Calvert (Project Director, Darling Associates). You can find more about the work of NextGen here.
Left to right. New WPA NextGen Vice Chair Emma Lally, New WPA Chair Marcus Geddes with Immediate Past Chair Paul Williams, WPA NextGen members.
WPA Annual Report 2022
Published to coincide with our AGM, the WPA Annual Report provides a summary of the Association’s key activities between March 2022 and April 2023. It covers the three core focuses of our work, providing information on research, policy engagement and campaigns as well as membership activities. You can read the full report here.
Planning & City Development Committee 27 April 6.30pm
An update on the process of appointing a Design Review Panel, which has had c250 applications to join it, is among the items set to be discussed at the Cllr Ruth Bush chaired committee next week, alongside updates on the Partial Review of the City Plan and Early Engagement guidance. See the agenda here.
Council takes aim at dirty money in the heart of London
Westminster City Council has released a new charter, Westminster Against Dirty Money Charter. This agreement is the first of its kind in the UK and brings together the City Council, the New West End Company (NWEC), the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) and campaign group the Fair Tax Foundation.
New micro-logistics delivery hub opens in Pimlico to provide zero-emission deliveries
A trial for a new six-month micro-logistics hub in Pimlico has been launched to tackle the high numbers of vehicles on the streets of central London delivering online purchases direct to residents’ homes and to offices. This is in a bid to improve the air quality in Westminster and reduce pollution.
Young Westminster Foundation Board of Trustees seek Treasurer
An exciting opportunity is available for someone to join our charity partner, the Young Westminster Foundation, on their Board of Trustees as a Treasurer.
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
Land Trust Social Value Survey
The Social Value Advisory Group is developing a Best Practice Note around the delivery and measurement of social value within the public realm and has launched a survey asking for insights on what guidance the development industry is looking for.
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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