A plan to update and improve Silicon Roundabout, London’s answer to Silcon Valley, was officially launched yesterday (18 May) by a group of business partners operating in the north London vicinity.
The area around Old Street is hailed as a hotbed of innovation and creativity, generating £5.3bn a year and supporting 53,000 jobs. In the next five years, the area will be transformed as major developments are completed.
The Old Street Partnership, which includes Amazon, Z Hotels, the Office Group and Derwent London, will work alongside Transport for London and other public sector providers to improve infrastructure, better promote the area and deliver economic benefits to both local businesses and the community.
Plans include transforming the roundabout to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and improving the public space.
Currently, the partnership focuses on developing three core themes and making Old Street:
A better district: Working with Transport for London, Greater London Authority and local authorities, the partnership seeks to ensure delivery of fundamental projects and public realm improvements in the area to ensure an attractive and sustainable environment for those who live and work there.
A lively district: With a hugely diverse range of businesses in the area, the partnership will run an exciting schedule of events and activities to bring businesses, visitors and those living in the area together to share the vision and build on the area’s success.
A safer district: The partnership will also look at safety as a priority and will work with local business, the Metropolitan Police, Greater London Authority and local charities to look at the impact and demands on the area.
Matthew Moffat, Z Hotels, chair of the Old Street Partnership, said: “The Old Street Partnership brings a new focus and collaboration to what is one of most important opportunity districts in Central London. We’re building on the area’s history and character and its fantastic connectivity, to build a thriving new community.”
Image: Derwent’s White Collar Factory is a recent addition to Silicon Roundabout
The Old Street Partnership brings a new focus and collaboration to what is one of most important opportunity districts in Central London. We’re building on the area’s history and character and its fantastic connectivity, to build a thriving new community.– Matthew Moffat, Z Hotels
