Franchising, retail, business
12/06/2014
Boris Johnson opened the London Real Estate Forum by announcing that "London is on the verge of a golden age of construction." City officials and other interested parties have been discussing how the capital copes with its own growth. In the next five years the city is expected to reach nine million residents. VoR spoke with Johnny Popper, a spokesman for the Real Estate Forum.
At the London Real Estate Forum 2014, which has now entered its second day, over 100 key players in the development industry have gathered to discuss the huge challenges facing cities continued rapid expansion brought about by increasing levels of construction.
Johnny Popper explained that he agrees with the mayor but that he also believes that there is not enough housing being built for Londoners and the problem needs to be addressed by developers.
"What is driving the support for the industry is the growing population of London. It is predicted to increase by one million people in the next 10 years and that places a great deal of strain on housing, commercial space and the infrastructure of the city.
“There is an awful lot happening across London to try and meet that challenge and this event brings together key players to discuss the challenges facing the city.
“The truth is London is not building enough homes for its population, nor is it building enough homes for the growth that is predicted. Unquestionably some of the answer will be increasing density of developments and using better the space we have.
“I think we need to build more homes in the city. Policy makers need to make it easier to identify sites and to make the planning process simpler. The industry itself must also rise to the challenge and the volume produced.
“We are seeing enormous development in London right across the city. The challenge is to make sure the construction builds homes for Londoners."
Johnny Popper again confirmed his agreement with the mayor's statement and added that he loves being part of the city.
“It is a golden age for London, we are riding high and it is a fantastic place to live and work."
Fonte: http://voiceofrussia.com