With the London Underground having finally run full-length tests along the whole track of the Elizabeth Line, the much anticipated, and heavily criticised new underground line is actually opening.
The brand new purple line, which links Berkshire to Essex and Kent via Central London will have many benefits for Greater London, shortening commutes, and making areas such as Farringdon and Canary Wharf easier to get to.
But what impact will it have on the West End itself?
The reason the West End is a powerhouse for London is largely due to its commutability.
In fact, every London Underground line runs through the West End, making it London’s most accessible area to live, work and entertain ourselves.
Because of this, it might be assumed that the Lizzie Line least benefits Fitzrovia, Soho, Marylebone, and Mayfair, which are already strongly catered for when it comes to transport.
Whilst there may be an element of truth to this, Central London’s newest tube line still offers exciting opportunities in the West End.
First and foremost, shortening commutes and widening the London Underground’s reach will help attract new talent. Businesses seeking a diverse workforce will naturally look towards the city’s heartbeat, so their staff can easily commute from all far-reaching points of the underground system. It also provides more choice for how to get around town. This should reduce the anxiety of a line being suspended or if there are severe delays. This makes the West End workforce more agile than ever! It also takes the pressure off Oxford Circus, a station already heavily congested and often forced to close to control crowds when commuting home.
The West End will thrive from this, and it will strengthen its dominance as London’s business and leisure district. Fitzrovia for example is already breathing the effects of this, with globally recognised brands choosing Fitzrovia for its village-style feel within the center of town so all their staff can get to it. It’s recently welcomed Boston Consulting into the area, who will join Take-Two Interactive, Netflix, Facebook, and Estee Lauder.
Ben Everest (Partner) also believes it makes the West End a lot more attractive for HNW individuals working in Canary Wharf who are looking to buy and rent. This is because a 45-minute commute to the West End will suddenly turn into a 12-minute train ride, making a big difference for those cosmopolitans who want to be at the city’s center.
It may also help retain the West End’s young talent, who studied at institutions such as UCL, and could go on to work in other hubs, but choose to live where it all happens.
~ Harrison Eagles, Associate Partner
