Shaftesbury, the Real Estate Investment Trust which invests in some of the liveliest parts of London’s West End, has seen footfall return to 86% of the peak in December in 2020, just before London was placed into the third lockdown.
Footfall has continued to build across the area following the reopening of non-essential shops, restaurants, cafes and bars on Monday 12 April.
The Company has said it expects the trend to continue in the weeks and months ahead as office workers begin to return to the area and the return of indoor hospitality expected to be permitted from mid-May.
“It has been heartening to see people returning in large numbers to our iconic streets over the past week, in a safe and secure manner,” said Brian Bickell, Shaftesbury CEO.
“The West End is beginning to feel alive once more, which has been made possible by the commitment that our partners and local businesses share with us to kickstart its recovery.
“Now as we approach the next milestone, it is important that this momentum is maintained to ensure this positive start to the easing of lockdown is sustained.”
