This is what Sheffielders think of the Prime Minister's claim that cities will bounce back

‘Our great cities will bounce back’ the Prime Minister said in his roadmap announcement - but do Sheffielders agree?
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Boris Johnson said he believed the pandemic would not fundamentally change the way people live in cities. The more people communicated virtually the more they wanted to see people face-to-face.

He added: “That, I’m sure, will come back and I think that London, our great cities, will be full of buzz and life and excitement again, provided that people have confidence about coming back into those city centres.

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“I’m a sceptic when people say this is going to lead to a massive change in urban life, I’m doubtful.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends a virtual press conference inside 10 Downing Street. (Photo by Leon Neal / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends a virtual press conference inside 10 Downing Street. (Photo by Leon Neal / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson attends a virtual press conference inside 10 Downing Street. (Photo by Leon Neal / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“I believe our great cities will bounce back along with the rest of the economy once we’ve got this road map delivered.”

Ash Young, managing director of digital agency Evoluted in Sheffield said: “Not so sure about that. We ran a survey and of our team of 35, only 20 per cent intend to return to the office full time. I think it will be a slow recovery for city centres.”

Journalist Ruari McCallion said: “He and his advisors seem to think that cities have on/off switches. Urban economies, retail and hospitality, have taken a pasting. The only reason official unemployment isn't five million is furlough concealing it. It'll get worse first. Recovery will be years, if it ever fully happens.”

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Sue Lee said: “I do believe our great city will be revived by its great community, I'm not sure bounce is the correct verb to describe it and I'm not sure it will be down to any roadmap this government delivers.”

Tom Wolfenden, chief executive of Sheffield Technology Parks, said cities will need to have a different “pull-factor”.

He added: “Flexible working will increase, but that means different uses for the centre. Increase urban population in decent dwellings, create interesting and experiential destinations and build a fresh narrative for Sheffield.”

Tim Latham, founder and managing director at Datatrainer, said hybrid working would become the norm for many office based workers.

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"With a significant number only going into the office two or three days a week long term, even if that means on average maybe 20 per cent fewer people in the city centre on week days, that's a significant impact on the ecosystem,” he said.

“In combination with the reduced demand for High Street retail space due to e-commerce trends accelerating too, it could also, however, result in an increase in city centre living space, which could to some extent help address our low cost housing problem.”

Gareth Heald said: “I think they will bounce back rapidly but remote working is here to stay, think less rush hour madness and more healthy levels of sustainable footfall throughout the day.

“While older less manoeuvrable businesses - especially those loaded up with private equity debt - have taken a step back new nimble ones have come forward to fill the gap, as someone who works in retail property my pipeline is looking very healthy indeed.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper.

Thank you. Nancy Fielder, editor.