Campaign to exploit Crossrail at Farringdon Station launches today
Farringdon and Clerkenwell businesses have the chance to vote on a Business Improvement District for the area, with Crossrail expected at Farringdon Station in 2019. Picture: Paul Marriott Photography - Credit: Paul Marriott Photography
Business leaders in Farringdon and Clerkenwell are planning to take advantage of increased footfall once Crossrail is completed.
Crossrail will see Farringdon Station upgraded by 2019, with a planned 140 trains to pass through every hour. A minimum 27 million passengers a day are expected to pass through in 10 years’ time. The footfall two years ago was 19m.
Today, a new business improvement district (BID) has been proposed for the area. Its 100-plus businesses will vote on whether they want it to launch and shape the future.
The south Islington area is a well-known centre for global designers and architects, from Zaha Hadid to Bulthaup, but has also become a hotspot for fine dining and boutique hotels.
And Tass Mavrogordato, who is leading the BID project, said today: “Farringdon and Clerkenwell has long been London’s design district, and the new BID will celebrate and preserve this innate character.
You may also want to watch:
“In the advent of Crossrail, the BID will also enable businesses here to shape and direct growth so the area plays a full role alongside neighbours such as Tech City, Midtown, the Square Mile, the Barbican and the emerging new Cultural Quarter at Smithfield.”
From today, all of these businesses have the opportunity to vote ‘yes’ for the BID, which would be a collective business voice working towards brand association, customer satisfaction and building a competitive advantage for firms. If a majority back the first four years of the scheme, work will begin in May.
Most Read
- 1 Countryside walking would be lovely - but the city has much to offer
- 2 Archway man jailed after causing 'totally avoidable' crash
- 3 High Court ruling 'will not directly impact' People Friendly Streets
- 4 Two 16-year-olds charged with murder of Islington student
- 5 Arsenal's Women's Super League clash with West Ham postponed
- 6 Thousands back petition for exemptions in Highbury People Friendly Streets
- 7 Man wrestled to floor during attempted robbery in Finsbury Park
- 8 Tributes paid to Islington student fatally stabbed in Tottenham
- 9 Pictures: Scenes in Islington and Hackney after snowfall blankets London
- 10 Arteta should drop Willian after another miserable performance
It has been backed by Islington Council. Cllr Asima Shaikh, its economic development leader, said: “I welcome the BID for Farringdon and Clerkenwell. The council is fully supportive of BIDs because they enable businesses to work together for the local economy and bring significant benefits to the local community, including new employment and training.”