Agenda item

To receive an update on Destination City

The Committee heard from the Head of Profession (Destination City) noting that Destination City was approved in its current form as a programme of action to drive the growth strategy for the Square Mile, noting also the four workstreams to pursue growth: improvement of pedestrian connectivity between places; development of a consistent experience (including events and culture); establishment of a premium concierge service for relocating businesses; and the driving of footfall Friday to Monday. 

The Committee noted that the Destination Advisory Board’s first meeting takes place on 10 December 2024 (and will meet quarterly thereafter) and that the Deputy Chair (John Griffiths) represents the Committee on that Board and will keep the Committee updated on Destination City. Members noted that recruitment is under way to the DC Hub that is expected to work across the Corporation, seeking to improve cross-departmental communication, generate partnerships, and break down silos with careful analysis of data and analytics.    

A Member commented that it would have been beneficial to have received information on Destination City beforehand and asked that such information be distributed ahead of the meeting in future.

A Member commented on the importance of residents within the Destination City scope, noting that residents benefit from increased footfall generally and that the Residential Reset programme focussed on residents - public updates on that having been provided earlier in the year to the Corporation’s Communications and Corporate Affairs Sub-Committee.

Members commented on the importance of communication over and above social media strategies.

A Member commented on the importance of ensuring that SMEs are included in the scope. The meeting noted that SMEs are consulted on a regular basis, and that SMEs are provided with regular content updates.