On the surface, the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have had a devastating effect on the world’s cities. Footfall has dropped by up to 80% in some metropolitan areas, a handful of high-street staples have shuttered their doors for good, and people no longer congregate in city-centre offices or nearby pubs for an after-hours driink. But is the upheaval of the past year really a doomsday toll for the world’s urban areas? Or simply a symptom of living with Covid?
On Thursday, 29 April, Samantha Simmonds, host of Sunday Politics, sat down with Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, Andrew Carter to discuss how urban living will look in the future. The London-based expert reminded us that with crisis comes opportunity: Could now be the time to generate reasons beyond work to be in city centres? In exploring this concept, Andrew discussed the need for denser cities, the opportunity we have to combat climate change, and why citifying the suburbs can only be a good thing.
If you missed the event, you can watch it below. Alternatively, you can download the interview on Spotify.
This was the latest in our Invested for the Future virtual event series. For future events, check out our dedicated microsite.