Deputy Major of London for Business visits the district

The Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber OBE, visited the district for a walk-though of Clerkenwell & Farringdon and Hatton Garden to highlight key priorities, challenges and partnership working across CDA and Hatton Garden Business Improvement District BIDs.

The walk-through focused on future investments, sustainability and business priorities and visited business members along the way. We also discussed the emerging Property Owner BID in CDA’s footprint and the potential that future investment will play in addressing ongoing issues and priorities.

Starting in Farringdon, Howard was met by CDA Chair Alexander Jan and Chief Executive Debbie Akehurst to give an introduction and overview of our activity in Farringdon, including successes in the wake of the introduction of the Elizabeth Line and improved placemaking projects, such as St John’s Street pedestrianisation. Moving on to Hatton Garden, the Deputy Mayor was joined by Hatton Garden BID Director, Alex Butt, who outlined the plans for the next five year term and discussed the need for an enhanced policing presence and the potential application of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) due to the area’s concentration of high-value goods.

The CDA Operations team were also able to spend time talking to Howard about their roles and experiences within the district.

Many thanks to the levy members who took time to speak with Howard, including Hari Alexandroff, Director of Harmony Jewels, Rizwan Kassamal Kassamal, CEO of the Hatton Garden Hotel, Ross Grieve, Old Sessions House and Shaun Simons, Compton. The walk-around finished at the Zetter Clerkenwell who provided drinks and space to continue the conversation.