LONDON, September 11 /PRNewswire/ --     North London is taking the lead on asking what is the future of our town
centres.

A major conference was held yesterday to consider what is the economic
future for London's suburban town centres - and can we make them better
places to work, shop and play.

Enfield Council leader Mike Rye says: "Town centres are the lifeblood of
any community and we must look to ways of safeguarding their future if they
are to thrive and attract new investment to provide employment and services
for generations to come."

Gary Ince, CEO of North London Business, says: "This event saw senior
executives from local authorities, public agencies and the private sector all
come together at City Hall with the Mayor with the common purpose of
discussing how to protect and nurture the diverse range of town centres in
the area. The event was a further sign of the dynamic partnership spirit that
is driving the area forward."

"London's suburbs over the coming decade will see massive changes - as
the population grows and becomes increasingly diverse. We need to plan now so
our town centres can provide a variety of services - as well as attract a
variety of employers," added Dr Stephen King, Assistant Director, North
London Strategic Alliance.

The event takes forward the London Mayor's agenda of developing a city of
many vibrant centres. The Mayor spoke about the importance of growing local
economies - providing a range of services for suburban communities.

Speakers included:

- Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London

- Councillor Mike Rye, Leader, London Borough of Enfield

- Councillor Mike Freer, Leader, London Borough of Barnet

This conference brought together key stakeholders from the six boroughs
in north London which lie at the heart of the housing growth agenda; Barnet,
Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Redbridge and Waltham Forest - representing some
20% of London's projected housing growth.

Notes to Editors:

North London Business http://www.northlondonbusiness.com

North London Business is the sub-regional business support agency for
North London. Funded by the London Development Agency, Think London and the
North London Boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest, it
works to ensure a business friendly environment for company growth and
development. All of North London Business's services are unbiased and no
charge is made.

North London Strategic Alliance http://www.nlsa.org.uk

The North London Strategic Alliance is the sub-regional strategic
partnership for North London, bringing together public, private and voluntary
organisations working in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest. The
NLSA is taking a leading role around coordination on the London element of
the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area.

For further information contact:

    Stephen King
    Assistant Director
    North London Strategic Alliance
    Stephen.king@nlsa.org.uk
    Tel +44-(0)-20-8489-5281

    Chris Ward
    Head of Business Development
    North London Business
    Chris.ward@northlondonbusiness.com
    Tel +44-(0)-20-8885-9210

    For further information about NLSA research on town centres contact:
    Nicholas Falk
    Director
    URBED (Urban and Economic Development) Ltd
    nicholas@urbed.com
    Tel +44-(0)-20-7831-9986