Kingston alongside other South London boroughs sets BIG Ambition for growth
A bold new vision to accelerate South London’s economy, attract new investment, and support more people into well-paid, secure jobs, was launched yesterday by the South London Partnership.
BIG Ambition: South London Growth, unveiled at a launch event in Wimbledon with London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, Howard Dawber, outlines a shared commitment by the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton to deliver long-term, locally driven growth — driving forward sectors such as health and life sciences tech, creative and digital industries, environmental innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
Cllr Andreas Kirsch, the Leader of Kingston Council said:
“South London is well placed to play an important role in London’s success – but a successful economy is only successful if everyone reaps the rewards. Enhanced orbital transport links across the region are crucial for realising our ambitions, unlocking economic opportunities, reduced congestion, and better connecting businesses with local talent.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair of the South London Partnership and Leader of Richmond Council, said:
“Our sub region is already a £38 billion economy, home to more than 1.2 million residents, 55,000 businesses and 550,000 jobs.
“South London already has the talent and institutions to be one of the most productive and innovative parts of the country. But we need targeted investment and better connectivity to realise our ambitions for local people and businesses over the next decade. Growth can’t just be for the few — we want it to be inclusive, sustainable and built from the ground up,”
Royal Borough of Kingston has a very strong position in South London. It successfully blends its unique heritage with its appeal as a destination for investment, learning or leisure. The borough was recently ranked highest in London as a place to live and work, with strong growth prospects. Kingston has always been a place of innovation and evolution, and has more recently become home to a range of national and international businesses including Unilever and Lidl, while Kingston University, is the largest education provider in South London.
BIG Ambition: South London Growth builds on the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan and is informed by Kingston’s own Economic Development Strategy, published in 2024, making a strong case for further devolution of funding and powers to support locally led delivery. The South London Partnership is now calling on government and investors to match its ambition — by backing key infrastructure projects, investing in people and skills, and supporting innovation across the region.
Deputy Mayor for Business Howard Dawber said:
“The Mayor and I remain dedicated to working in partnership to ensure the benefits of London’s growth benefits every part of the city — and that together, we can continue building a fairer London for everyone.
“Following the launch of the London Growth Plan earlier this year, I welcome the South London Partnership’s Growth Ambition which sets out a vision that reflects the real strengths of South London – its talent, innovation and potential,”
Last year Kingston Council launched its own vision for the economic future of the borough through the Economic Development Strategy 2024-2028. The strategy sets out the ambition for Kingston to be increasingly recognised as a place where business flourishes, where investment is welcome and serves all parts of the borough, with a green economy at the heart.
Read more about ‘Confident in Kingston,’ the council’s Economic Development Strategy.