Taking place at DP9’s recently refurbished headquarters at 100 Pall Mall, this WPA evening reception will showcase how the sensitive upgrading of heritage assets can meet the demand for best-in-class workspaces.

A keynote speech from Professor Tony Travers (Director, London School of Economics) will explore the evolution and heritage of the St. James’s district over time and its transformation into one of London's most sought-after locations for business, as well as role of planning and the built environment in ensuring St. James’s and the wider Piccadilly and Mayfair districts remain key contributors to London’s growth story and vibrant destinations for work and play.

Refreshments and canapes will be available throughout the evening.

Date: Tuesday 25 February

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Venue: DP9 entrance, 100 Pall Mall, St. James's, SW1Y 5NQ

Events

There are a very limited number of tables remaining at our 2025 WPA Annual Dinner, taking place on Thursday 1 May at The Londoner Hotel, so we encourage members that wish to attend to book now to secure their place.

The dinner is the perfect opportunity for members to enjoy an exclusive evening of entertainment with industry peers and celebrate Westminster’s built environment. Members can purchase a table of 10 or individual tickets with prices including a champagne reception and half bottle of wine per person, or alternative low and non-alcoholic options on request.

Date: Thursday 1 May 2025

Time: 7:00pm – late

Venue:  The Londoner, 50 Whitcomb Street, WC2H 7DY

Ticket Price: £350.00 per person

Dress code: Black tie 

Westminster City Council updates

City Plan Partial Review Statement of Common Ground underway

Ahead of the expected Examination in Public (EiP) in spring, Westminster City Council and WPA are finalising a joint Statement of Common Ground on the City Council's proposed Partial Review, outlining matters of agreement and disagreement. When agreed by both parties, the statement will be shared with the appointed inspector before the public hearing. Keep up to date on the Partial Review via our website here or contact andrea.williams@cwpa.org.uk for more information.

Consultation on draft Environment SPD opens

The document provides guidance to developers on how they can meet the environmental policies within Westminster City Council’s City Plan and underpins elements of its City Plan Partial Review. The consultation closes on 3 March, read more here or contact andrea.williams@cwpa.org.uk to discuss the WPA's response.

WPA responds to Selective Licensing consultation

While we support Westminster City Council’s desire to ensure all residents have access to high-quality homes, the response stressed the need to consider the regulatory and administrative burden to landlords when a similar national scheme is due to come into force as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill. Read our full response here.

Date set for Vincent Square Ward by-election

The by-election will take place on 27 February and comes following the passing of Labour councillor Gillian Arrindell. Find out more about the election and candidates here.

Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg steps down from cabinet role

Cllr Dimoldenberg’s City Management remit has been split, with Cllr Max Sullivan taking over responsibility for transport, public realm, highways and street cleaning in the newly created position of Cabinet Member for Streets. Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology and Culture, now oversees air quality and public conveniences, whilst Cllr Geoff Barraclough takes responsibility for flooding as part of his Planning and Economic Development brief. Read more here. 

Westminster voice

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, joined Concilio’s Better Places podcast, where, after providing an update on the administration’s Fairer Economy agenda, its City Plan Partial Review and other emerging planning policy, he stated that Westminster City Council are the “builders not the blockers.” Listen from 23 minutes to hear more on planning policy.

Access the podcast here and find out more about the City Plan Partial Review here. 

Partner events

LandAid SleepOut

LandAid’s seventh SleepOut offers a unique opportunity to tackle youth homelessness and support young people experiencing rough sleeping. It is also a great way to connect with colleagues outside the office and grow your professional network.

Date: Thursday 27 - Friday 28 February 2025 

Time: 7:00pm – 7:00am

Venue: Eight venues across the UK or SleepOut at Home 

ICYMI

• Derwent London completes full pre-let of Baker Street office scheme (£) 

• Office attendance is becoming a performance metric (£)

• US firms buy up central London offices at ‘market bottom’ (£)

• Abandoned Marylebone Road offices get new lease of life (£)

• West End investment spikes in Q4 (£)

Member resources

Watch our video to hear how WPA’s charity partners Young Westminster Foundation and 2-3 Degrees, WPA members and Westminster City Council are working together to deliver economic growth and a more sustainable and inclusive City.

Click the image below to access the video. 

Access our latest research here.

Access our Diversity Guidebooks here.

Sustainable City Charter signatories can access an exclusive toolkit and resource hub. The resources available will continue to evolve and currently include:

📹 Recordings and presentations from past webinars and events 

🏢 Insightful case studies

📃 Guidance and tips on how to reduce energy emissions from building use as part of the Charter’s key commitments

For any questions or for more information on the Sustainable City Charter and its programme and resources, please email Westminster City Council's Climate Emergency team here.