Stratford wins over London’s workers

Stratford and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has been voted the area in London likely to improve most by 2020, according to a new poll of over 1,000 Londoners by YouGov and leading international property and infrastructure group, Lendlease.

More than one in five (21%) London adults chose Stratford and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, twice as much as any other area in the capital and ahead of prominent redevelopment districts including Croydon (9%), the City (9%), Tottenham (6%), Canary Wharf (4%) and Wembley (4%).  

The research follows the recent combined investment of more than £615 million in the first phase of The International Quarter by Legal & General and Deutsche Bank Asset Management, through their respective purchases of the new Transport for London (TfL) building and the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) new headquarters. Both buildings are now under construction and the investments demonstrate the confidence the business community has in the future of Stratford, which is set to become London’s fourth business district.

The poll also found that more than one in 10 (13%) would favour working in Stratford over other fast-growing areas as Wembley (5%), Croydon (6%), and Tottenham (3%). With the opportunity to live and work in the same place, as well as Stratford becoming Zone 2/3, the area is quickly becoming a prime destination for London’s businesses and workers.

Findings also reveal that only a quarter of employees (24%) in the capital believe they get enough fresh air at work. As such, the open spaces of Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park could be an attractive proposition for London’s workers.

Lendlease and joint venture partner LCR are delivering The International Quarter – a new world-class workplace in Stratford that is set to be London’s fourth business district alongside the City, West End and Canary Wharf. TfL and the FCA will relocate to The International Quarter in 2017 and 2018 respectively, and discussions are underway with a number of other major businesses to move to the site – which, once completed, will house an estimated 25,000 workers.

In addition, Olympicopolis will provide a unique cultural and educational offer for Stratford and London. This world-class district will see a new branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, a Sadler’s Wells dance theatre, UAL’s London College of Fashion and University College London located in the heart of the east London.

Ian Crockford, Project Director, The International Quarter at Lendlease, said: “Stratford won over the hearts of Londoners in 2012, and now nearly four years on we’re seeing that legacy continue in the minds of people across the capital. TfL’s recent rezoning of Stratford, Stratford International, and Stratford High Street stations as Zones 2/3 will save local residents and workers hundreds of pounds a year. With the combination of The International Quarter delivering London’s fourth business district, Olympicopolis creating a world-class education and cultural hub, unparalleled retail and the ever improving transport connections, it’s no surprise Stratford is leading the pack as a place to live and work ahead of other areas across London.”