New investment in skills, infrastructure, and communities presents key opportunities for sport and physical activity in London
Today, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, unveiled the London Growth Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalising the city’s economy, enhancing inclusivity, and promoting sustainability over the next decade.
The plan outlines four primary objectives:
- Boost Productivity: Aiming for 2% annual growth, the plan seeks to expand London’s economy by £107 billion by 2035, increasing residents’ income by £11,000 and generating £27.5 billion in tax revenue.
- Enhance Inclusion: The plan targets a 20% rise in real weekly income for the lowest-earning 20% of households, benefiting at least one million families with an extra £50 per week.
- Promote Green Growth: Focused on reaching net-zero by 2030, the plan invests in green infrastructure, technology, and sustainability initiatives to position London as a global leader in environmental action.
- Solidify Global Standing: With a 6% annual growth target for service exports, the plan aims to strengthen London’s global position in finance, professional services, creative industries, and education.
Key Initiatives:
- Skills & Employment: £300 million in skills funding to create 150,000 jobs with fair pay and quality conditions.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Expanding transport links, including the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead and the Bakerloo line to Lewisham.
- Business & Innovation: Supporting high-growth sectors, fostering innovation, and helping businesses scale and export.For organisations like London Sport, the Growth Plan presents significant opportunities, particularly through its focus on community development, health, and active environments.
While specific funding allocations for these areas are not detailed in the initial announcement, the overarching commitment to inclusivity and infrastructure investment suggests potential support for initiatives that promote physical activity and community well-being.
Opportunities to Work With the Sector
The London Growth Plan sets out a strategy to boost the city’s economy, inclusivity, and sustainability. It presents key opportunities for the grassroots sport and physical activity to support:
Skills & Workforce Development: With £300 million in skills funding for 150,000 jobs, there is potential to advocate for pathways in the voluntary and community sport sector – with training programmes for young people to develop careers in sport and physical activity.
Active Design in Housing: The plan’s focus on affordable housing aligns with active design principles, encouraging movement through green spaces, cycling routes, and recreational facilities. Developers should be supported to embed these elements to promote healthier communities.
Revitalising High Streets & Using ‘Non-Traditional’ Spaces: Plans to rejuvenate high streets create opportunities to repurpose vacant properties into temporary spaces for sport and physical activity.
Infrastructure for Sport & Physical Activity: Transport investments will encourage active travel and improve access to sports facilities and open spaces.
Emily Robinson, Chief Executive at London Sport said:
“London Sport welcomes the publication of the London Growth Plan and its commitment to investing in the skills, infrastructure, and spaces that shape the future of our communities. The plan’s focus on revitalising high streets and town centres through the £20m High Streets and Places Fund provides an exciting opportunity to reimagine ‘non-traditional’ spaces for sport and physical activity, building on innovative projects like our work at the Lewisham CommUNITY Hub.
Equally, we support the emphasis on upskilling young Londoners through initiatives like the London Youth Guarantee, which aims to ensure pathways into employment, including in the voluntary and community sectors. Sport plays a vital role in this ecosystem, providing young people with leadership and employment opportunities while fostering healthier communities.
The Growth Plan also highlights the importance of major sporting hubs—such as Wembley, Twickenham, and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—as key visitor destinations that contribute to the city’s experience economy. We must ensure that local communities benefit from this investment, as well as with new developments – ensuring active design principles are embedded into new housing and infrastructure projects, making it easier for Londoners to move more and participate in sport in their everyday lives.
By using a wholistic approach to work together across sectors, we can harness the power of sport to drive economic growth, whilst also improving the capital’s physical activity levels, health, and wellbeing”.
As the London Growth Plan progresses, further details regarding specific funding opportunities and programmes relevant to community sport and active lifestyles are anticipated.
London Sport remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to harness these opportunities, fostering a healthier and more active city for all Londoners.
