Thanks to the easing of Government’s Covid-19 restrictions, from Monday 12th April the City of London was able to start reopening its doors to visitors, workers and residents. I am delighted to be back to the Square Mile and show my support for some of the City’s most iconic institutions and businesses.
I am looking forward to visiting many of these institutions in the coming weeks. In the next few days alone, I will be visiting businesses reopening in Leadenhall Market, at the Royal Exchange, One New Change, in Bow Lane and Middlesex Street, to see how they are welcoming back workers in a Covid-secure manner and preparing to welcome returning customers. I will be speaking to staff and owners about the effects of Covid-19 on their businesses and how they plan to recover and drive growth as footfall begins to return.
I will also be visiting financial and professional services businesses and offices, such as the new City skyscraper, 22 Bishopsgate, the Leadenhall Building, the WeWork offices and JP Morgan premises to see all the hard work businesses have done to ensure offices are Covid-safe for returning workers. I was impressed to learn that many businesses are also setting up testing facilities in their buildings so employees can get tested quickly and frequently.
This reopening is a step in the right direction towards the Square Mile returning to the vibrant and thriving ecosystem it always has been. Businesses have been working extremely hard to welcome back visitors and workers in the safest possible way, whilst still maintaining the buzz and vibrancy we have all missed so much.
This reopening is just the start though. In line with Government’s Roadmap, on 17th May I want to help highlight and celebrate indoor hospitality, hotels and cultural attractions returning to the City. The City of London Corporation is also planning a more energised and fuller ‘Re-opening Week’ when the majority of Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. I want to highlight all the fantastic work that has gone into reopening the City in a safe way, thereby helping to build confidence that our great City will return stronger and better than ever in the coming years.
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, William Russell
