Netflix and Hills: how streaming services are moving in on Hollywood real estate February 20, 2017 The Schroders Global Cities Index ranks the fastest growing urban economies in the world. We write about our favourite cities on the Global Cities Blog. With Netflix having just committed to an office spanning 25 acres in Hollywood, we explain why we like LA. Sitting at number six in the Global Cities Index, we rate Los [...]
UK drivers spend an average of 32 hours in traffic – costing Londoners £1,911 each last year February 20, 2017 The UK been has ranked the 3rd most congested in Europe – drivers spend an average of 32 hours a year in traffic jams during peak times, according to a report by traffic information company Inrix. Over 1,000 cities worldwide were included in the study, and London was named the seventh worst for congestion and [...]
TfL awards Barclaycard 10-year contract that’ll include the roll out of contactless on the Elizabeth Line February 20, 2017 Barclaycard has retained its contract providing payment solutions to Transport for London (TfL), securing a new 10-year contract that includes the roll-out of contactless for the Elizabeth Line. The awarding of the £380m contract is for seven years with an option of extending for a further three years. Barclaycard will help TfL roll out contactless for [...]
The HS2 cost for taxpayers could top £90bn, warns the TaxPayers’ Alliance February 20, 2017 HS2 costs could top £90bn, if the high-speed rail project follows in the footsteps of other government-managed, large infrastructure projects, according to a think tank. The TaxPayers' Alliance has warned that taxpayers should "take no comfort" in government insistence that HS2 will be delivered on budget, given an "appalling track record". Ministers had said the London 2012 [...]
What you need to know about travelling during this week’s Tube strikes: Travel advice for Central and Waterloo & City Line commuters February 19, 2017 Fresh strikes on London Underground are due to disrupt travellers this week with the Central and Waterloo & City lines expected to have little to no service. Here's what you need to know about- the industrial action so you can plan ahead. What time and day are the strikes taking place? From late on Tuesday [...]
Opinion: What to look out for when you’re buying a new build property in London February 18, 2017 As property advisors, we are often asked what is the best kind of investment in London – a new build property or an older style or period property? New build developments certainly have a natural appeal in that everything is brand new, which means buyers can put their own stamp on the property and maintenance [...]
London’s T-charge, which will affect up to 10,000 high pollution vehicles, will be introduced in October February 17, 2017 Take a deep breath – or don't… yet. There's going to be a new emissions charge in the City starting 23 October. London mayor Sadiq Khan today confirmed his plans for a £10 emissions surcharge, or T-charge, on older polluting vehicles in the city centre. Khan announced the news on the 14th anniversary of London's congestion charge, [...]
Uber goes on a charm offensive by offering drivers free English courses and tips on how to make more money February 16, 2017 Uber is making efforts to improve its app for UK drivers, as part of a new charm offensive, including offering free English courses. Transport for London (TfL) delayed its new English tests until September, but Uber has said it will offer free courses for its drivers ahead of then. The ride-hailing app will also now allow [...]
Look out below! Northern Line extension gets underway with a huge crane putting tunnelling giants in place February 16, 2017 The time is here: these giant boring machines have been lowered 20m underground in Battersea ready to get the £1.2bn Northern Line extension underway. To lift these hefty machines – they're 650 tonnes each – Transport for London (TfL) has wheeled in a huge 750-tonne crane. The two machines, named Helen and Amy by local [...]
Join the debate over Britain’s vital new runway at Heathrow airport February 16, 2017 What is the world’s most connected city? New York? Paris? Tokyo? No. It’s London, which last May beat all those cities to top the inaugural Global Connectivity Ranking, with 351 direct international air destinations. Then in October, London was named the world’s most powerful city – the fifth consecutive year it had topped the Global [...]