City of London appoints a new chair for its planning and transportation committees.
In the heart of London, the City Corporation has given the nod to Tom Sleigh as the new head honcho of the Planning and Transportation Committee, effectively taking over from Shravan Joshi MBE. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Joshi has graciously accepted the role of deputy chair, replacing Graham Packham.
Sleigh, a representative of the Bishopsgate ward since 2013, feels he's been handed an opportunity at a crucial juncture for the City. With the City Plan 2040 on the horizon, he intends to deliver it with gusto and camaraderie. The plan has a lofty ambition - to construct a staggering 1.2 million square meters of fresh office space.
Most of this growth will be concentrated in the City Cluster to the east, comprising neighborhoods surrounding Leadenhall Street, St Mary Axe, and Bishopsgate. The City Corporation is also encouraging the upcycling of existing buildings to boost efficiencies and reduce carbon footprints.
Looking up, Sleigh dreams of viewing architectural marvels that not only elevate our spirits but also help combat climate change, uphold the city's heritage, and attract the next generation of workforce. He envisions a cityscape adorned with buildings that are innovative, eco-friendly, and a magnet for young talents.
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The City Plan 2040, a strategic blueprint spanning 16 years, targets the growth and development of the Square Mile. It aims to bolster the economy while focusing on key goals such as expanding office floorspace, retrofitting existing stock, cultural and leisure development, and sustainability and climate resilience. The plan aligns with the London Plan and Transport for London (TfL) guidance, championing the Healthy Streets Approach and Vision Zero for active travel and healthy streets.
A man of many hats, Sleigh is no stranger to leadership roles, serving as chair of Goldsmiths, University of London, and South Bank Employers Group. His professional journey includes stints at The Bank of London and Amazon UK. As for Joshi, he remains optimistic about the future, citing strides in office space growth and the city's diversification. He's particularly excited about the influx of cultural, educational, and sustainability infrastructure.
In his new role, Sleigh aims to utilize his finance background, having worked at The Bank of London, to fund the necessary infrastructure for the City Plan 2040. Furthermore, the transportation industry will play a crucial part in executing this plan, as highlighted by the integration of the Healthy Streets Approach and Vision Zero in the TfL guidance.
