More than eight in 10 companies in London see Crossrail 2 as being central to the capital’s successful expansion, but only 12% would be happy to contribute financially to its development according to a new poll.

 

The 2017 London Business Survey was conducted by the Confederation of British Industry and commercial property consultant CBRE. It also found that more than three in 10 companies are either ‘not sure’ or say it is ‘too early to tell’ whether they could contribute financially to the scheme and a similar number say they are not happy to help pay. 

 

The report notes that while the funding package for the project is still to be finalised it has been proposed that those who stand to benefit from Crossrail 2 should contribute to the cost of construction, similar to the model used to fund the first Crossrail line.

 

“It is clear that if Transport for London and the Mayor’s team are to get business support for the project then clear communications over the funding arrangements and benefits must be provided,” the report says.

 

Other key points from the report are that 84% of businesses think that new river crossings to the east of the capital would benefit London’s growth enormously and 80% think that a third runway at Heathrow is vital to the capital’s attractiveness.

 

The survey had 183 responses from leaders of large companies.

 

CBI London director Eddie Curzon said: “By ploughing ahead with Crossrail 2, a new runway at Heathrow and making better use of the River Thames, London can keep ahead of the curve and make the city an even more attractive place in which to invest, live and work for decades to come.”

 

(Image: Crossrail 2)