Economic development strategy - London Borough of Hillingdon

FOREWORD
Foreword
We live in a dynamically
changing environment. The
region, and in particular the
sub-region, is evolving as a
high quality, highly skilled,
low-intensity, knowledge
economy.
The purpose of Hillingdon’s
Strategy for a Sustainable
Economy is to ensure that
the borough of Hillingdon
keeps abreast of economic
changes and that our landuse
strategies, workforce, businesses, public sector
infrastructure and educational establishments are aware
and prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
Hillingdon has a number of strategic advantages. These
include: the working age population which is broad, we
are strategically well located and we have a quality of
environment and diversity of housing to sustain a
diverse workforce. There are also a large number of
high-value companies in the borough which themselves
sustain smaller businesses in the supply chain.
There are, however, significant challenges before us. For
instance, the London Plan suggests that the Hayes/West
Drayton/Southall/Stockley area should deliver 35,000
new jobs and 5,800 new homes by 2016. The current
level of academic attainment in our schools and the
weak skill sets of the adult work force need intensive
investment to ensure that local people can benefit from
the growing opportunity and prosperity of the region.
We believe that thriving regions, cities, towns, villages
and neighbourhoods are fundamental to quality of life.
Also that strong economies with quality employment
opportunities, good access to services and attractive
and safe surroundings are vital for their sustainability.
Therefore for an economy to be sustainable we must
strive for a better quality of life for everyone, now and
for generations to come. Although the idea is simple,
the task is substantial. This strategy is the first step in
achieving a sustainable economy within our borough.
The aim is to identify the themes, co-ordinate policies
and bring together key partners to promote an
integrated approach to the development of our
economy, environment and society. Building sustainable
communities is about improvements to the places
where people live and work, and improving the
prosperity and overall environment for businesses,
communities and individuals. This encompasses:
• strengthening our local economy, including the
skills of our local workforce.
• promoting better health, housing and access to
services and recreation.
• improving local surroundings - revitalising town
centres, tackling degraded urban environments,
and ensuring that development respects the
character of our borough.
• reducing crime and the fear of crime and making it
easier for people to get involved in their
communities.
Achieving sustainable development in the London
Borough of Hillingdon therefore involves attaining the
correct balance between economic development, social
improvement and environmental protection. Our
approach to economic development will ensure that
there is a gradual movement towards sustainable
development and a continuous improvement in overall
quality of life for both our businesses and local
communities.
The Cabinet of Hillingdon Council and Hillingdon’s
Local Strategic Partnership have both formally adopted
Hillingdon’s Strategy for a Sustainable Economy.
Councillor Jonathan Bianco
Cabinet Member: Finance, Regeneration
& Corporate Services
1 HILLINGDON’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY 2005-2015 - A PROSPEROUS BOROUGH