Agenda item

For Decision

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Director of the Built Environment which provided an overview of two applications received by the City for two half marathons to take place in March 2018 and asked Members for their views on whether either or both events should be supported. Officers advised that the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee had voted in favour of option 2a, which recommended to TFL that they reject London Marathon’s application.

Members discussed the merits of both events, but noted that whilst the London Marathon had a global and recognisable brand, the London Landmarks Half Marathon (Tommy’s) offered a unique approach which promoted the City’s cultural offer.

Members raised their concerns on holding two events in such close proximity to each other, and noted that whilst both events would provide benefits to local businesses, it was important to consider their impact, for example, the need to close City roads.

The Chairman invited Members of the Sub-Committee to vote for their preferred option, the vote indicated overwhelming support for option 2a with one Member abstaining.

RESOLVED – That:

a)    the Sub-Committee support the London Landmarks Half Marathon (Tommy’s) event to take place in the City (subject to detailed traffic management design, communications planning & safety assessment);

b)    the Sub-Committee reiterate to TfL the City’s concerns regarding the addition of further events to the event calendar in general beyond the London Landmarks Half Marathon;

c)    the City make it clear to TfL that should only one event be thought appropriate for this time of year, the City's clear preference would be to support the Tommy’s proposal, in accordance with the significant additional benefit to the City as illustrated in the assessment matrix.