Latest figures from the Crane Survey show the largest number of new construction starts ever recorded in a single survey, showing how investment has been key to helping the West End compete on the world stage.
The half yearly report on commercial building projects underway, has revealed that there are a total of 13 new schemes in the West End, totalling 1.4 million square feet of floorspace which have started over the last six months bringing the total volume of office space now being built to just under two million.

The area is now seeing the highest amount of space under construction for over two years. Eight per cent of current available space in the West End is of Grade A quality and developers are working quickly to turn new space back into the market to capitalise on the anticipated rental growth. However, activity in the other London submarkets remains scarce, with just one new start across all the other markets.

Cllr Jonathan Glanz, Westminster City Council cabinet member for housing and corporate property, said: 'This is great news for businesses in West End, and for Westminster in general. In tough times this shows the endeavour, hard work and entrepreneurship of this area will help us to continue to buck the national trend. We must however ensure that all developers are sensitive to the needs and wishes of local residents as construction works take place. Westminster is a great place to live as well as to work.'

Westminster has focused its efforts on promoting and incentivising business with key achievements over the last few years. Initiatives have included the City Recovery Programme, supporting local firms in the downturn and creating the first local authority Manifesto for Business with specific commitments against which local businesses can hold the council to account.

A Business Improvement District Development Fund was also established to assist businesses. The Cabinet Member for Enterprise chairs the West End Partnership (formerly the West End Marketing Alliance), responsible for promoting the city at home and abroad which has also assisted the area. Key support was also provided through the Creative Industries Programme to help companies compete with international rivals from Silicon Valley, Hollywood and Bangalore and generate more than £8 million in new sales and investments for a sector responsible for 90,000 jobs in Westminster. The new Hub Westminster facilities in Piccadilly were also set up to give up to 1,000 micro-businesses, start-ups and social enterprises the chance to base themselves in the heart of London at an affordable rate.