London’s resilience is the envy of the world. Things change, Londoners adapt and get on with it. 

The scale of the economic and social impact of the virus is yet to be fully visible. But, there is little doubt our ability to adapt this time could be weakened beyond anything we have previously experienced. 

Recovery focused interventions are not generally ‘oven ready’. They can be difficult to identify and slow to take effect. The crisis has made visible one of London’s greatest and most immediate recovery assets: its health service.

From hospitals to community hubs, with a London-wide healthcare system at the centre of our regeneration plans, we can capitalise on its employment generation, strengthen its links to education and research. We can also take advantage of its footfall for our high streets; re-establish income to small businesses and local supply chains; and celebrate its powerful role at the centre of community well-being. As London looks forward it could do worse than place a new city healthcare model at the forefront of its economic, social and physical recovery. 

Read more of our thoughts on planning for a post-pandemic world