We’re exploring the potential for promoting polycentric economic growth in London, with a focus on opportunities for West London.

Changes to the economic landscape across the capital following recent events (Brexit, cost-of-living crisis, post-pandemic changes to working patterns) have presented opportunities for enabling a more equitable distribution of the benefits of economic activity in Central London. Within this project, we will consider the key barriers and enablers for a polycentric approach to growth and how successful this model could be for West London.

Multiple centres of economic growth in London

London has historically developed into a city region with multiple town centres, industrial clusters and residential areas. Postwar deindustrialisation and the rise of Central London as an international powerhouse for financial services, business and culture has guided greater activity to the centre, leading to the partial ‘dormitorisation’ of the suburbs. Interventions such as policy development for the Central Activities Zone, as well as broader economic changes, have demonstrated the potential for greater dispersal of activity to London’s subregions, supported by the city’s public transport network.

Our research

We will evaluate existing evidence and data on the nature and spatial distribution of polycentric growth, focusing on West London and London Borough of Ealing specifically, within a broader London-wide context. We will hold roundtables and interviews with experts and sector leaders from a range of fields, including higher education, local government and business. This will culminate into a research report with recommendations outlining existing best practice as well as policy changes required to seize the opportunity to develop a broad-based, polycentric growth model for West London and across the city.