The City is turning to culture to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
A Business Partnership has been launched (Thursday, Jan 20th) to support the UK’s financial powerhouse, the Square Mile’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
Using arts and culture it aims to promote the City as a visitor major destination for both international and domestic visitors, bring office workers back to their desks and make the world see the City in a new way.
The launch was the first step in creating a uniquely cultural Business Improvement District (BID) in Culture Mile, the City of London’s cultural district, which stretches from Farringdon to Moorgate.
Culture Mile which was established by the City of London Corporation in 2017, in collaboration with Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.
Over the last five years, Culture Mile has championed creativity in the Square Mile by holding events which bring people into the City, celebrate the City’s existing creativity and bring the cultural and commercial sectors closer together.
A BID would capitalise on this work but also enable businesses to have a greater voice and influence over their local area, create a sense of pride and community for office workers and the people who live in the Square Mile, as well as bring investment in and greater return on investment by working together.
Representatives from more than 50 businesses attended the launch and are invited to join a variety of working groups in preparation for the BID vote in January 2023.
The proposed Business Improvement District will not only deliver the services businesses should expect, but also capitalises on Culture Mile’s strengths and work to date, creating a place where the value of creativity is harnessed and experienced by all businesses within the area. You can watch the full Business Partnership Launch event here.
“As previous Chair of another London BID, I have seen how BIDs can directly improve their area and generate a sense of connection for those who work in them. I am therefore very excited to be part of the team championing the creation of a new BID in the unique Culture Mile area, and in particular to help build partnerships between the commercial and cultural elements of this part of the City.”
Andrew Smith
Managing Partner, BDB Pitmans LLP
“The City is known internationally as a financial and business centre, but we want the world to see its other major strength. The Square Mile is a surprisingly creative area - from superb musicians, cutting edge artists and world-class heritage, through to the skills employed by its unparalleled workforce. We want people who come here to experience this creative vibrancy in surprising and engaging ways - whether that is a musical performance in the foyer of your office, sculptural installations on the streets or collaboration between businesses and local artists. The BID will also bring opportunities for people and business to connect into creativity and capitalise on the area’s potential for innovation.”
Tim Jones
Manager, Culture Mile (City of London Corporation)
