London Property Alliance’s Chief Executive, Charles Begley reflects on MIPIM 2026.
Amid the cacophony of noise and countless conversations that define MIPIM week, one theme emerged above the rest: the remarkable strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
For the London Property Alliance, our ongoing engagement with key stakeholders is driven by a commitment to champion the interests of our members and, by extension, the broader property industry throughout central London.
This year, we were pleased to deepen our partnership with both Opportunity London and the City of London Corporation, who co-sponsored and led our longstanding private investor dinner at the Majestic. Although this exclusive gathering isn’t one we can widely share with members, it was attended by the CPA Chair Ross Sayers (Head of Development Management, Landsec) and WPA Immediate Past Chair Marcus Geddes (Managing Director, Workplace, Landsec), along with several members of our Board and wider stakeholders. Their presence reflected the collective drive to strengthen industry ties and explore new opportunities.
The evening began with impactful speeches from Deputy Mayor for Business & Growth, Howard Dawber and City Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward. Both set a compelling tone, highlighting the property sector’s vital role in London’s economic growth.
Howard spoke confidently about London’s future, referencing the establishment of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) and the emerging locally led urban development corporation (LLDC) for Euston as tangible evidence of the Mayor’s determination to advance regeneration and ensure London retains its status as a global powerhouse. While geopolitical uncertainties, such as the Iran conflict, naturally cast some shadows, London’s reputation for safety and stability continues to be a clear asset.
Chris Hayward shared an inspiring perspective on the City’s “renaissance,” noting a 25% increase in jobs since the pandemic, bringing the total to 680,000 positions. The surging demand for office space further underscores the Square Mile’s resilience and its appeal to global investors, a point that City leaders are keen to emphasise.
Building on this, Opportunity London CEO Jace Tyrell presented compelling statistics from the London Property Alliance, underscoring the foundational role of offices in the UK’s services-based economy.
Offices support more than 2.8 million jobs across the capital, generate nearly half of London’s economic output, and represent the UK’s most productive sector, with each office job valued at £105,000. Furthermore, every 100 office jobs create approximately 40 supply chain roles and 18 positions on the high street, illustrating the far-reaching impact of the sector.
Our collaboration with the City Corporation extended to the London Stand, where the CPA co-sponsored the City’s presence alongside the City BIDs (EC BID, Cheapside, Fleet Street Quarter, Culture Mile, and Aldgate Connect).
For the London Property Alliance, partnership remains at the core of our activity, especially with stakeholders such as the Mayor’s office, City of London Corporation, Opportunity London and leaders from central London’s boroughs and business groups.
It was particularly reassuring to hear the London Borough of Camden’s Leader, Councillor Richard Olszewski, articulate the necessity of partnership during an Opportunity London discussion on development corporations.
He candidly acknowledged that the Council “can’t do everything” alone, emphasising the need to bring diverse groups together to drive Euston’s regeneration and fuel the expansion of the Knowledge Quarter as a tech and science hub. Through the Euston LLDC, Camden will depend on partners to deliver vital commercial space, new homes, and thousands of jobs. Councillor Olszewski also highlighted Camden’s involvement in the OSDC, which aims to secure the area’s future and enhance connectivity with neighbouring districts.
The Opportunity London-led dialogue also featured WPA Board members Kristy Lansdown (Managing Director, Development, The Crown Estate) and Simon Loomes (Strategic Projects Director, The Portman Estate), who shared their enthusiasm for working with the OSDC, Westminster City Council and other partners to revitalise the West End. Kristy emphasized The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to London’s prosperity and the West End’s pivotal role as a cultural and economic centre, whilst also reflecting on efforts to enhance the historic link between St. James’s and Regent’s Park. Simon discussed ambitious plans to restore Marble Arch to its former glory, transforming it from an overlooked traffic island into a welcoming gateway to Oxford Street.
In summary, beneath the lively exchanges at MIPIM, genuine partnership was at work driving progress and unlocking the economic growth so vital for London’s future. Stay tuned for more updates as these collaborations continue to shape the city’s landscape.
Further reading:
Report: Good Growth in Central London
Report: Space for Change: Office space dynamics in central London
