South London council leaders have today (Thursday, 27 February) welcomed the London Growth Plan, the capital's roadmap for economic growth over the next decade.

The long-awaited plan recognises that London's continued growth depends on strong, connected local economies across the city – not just in the centre.

It follows the Mayor of London's commitment to creating 150,000 new high-quality jobs by 2030 and returning London to pre-financial crisis growth rates, generating an extra £103 billion for the Treasury and putting £20,000 more in Londoners' pockets over the next 10 years.

South London is already powering this growth, with leading research hubs, fast-growing creative industries, top universities, and world-class visitor attractions.

The South London Partnership (SLP) — a coalition of the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, and Sutton — welcomed the plan's focus on local economic hubs and innovation-led growth.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair of the South London Partnership and Leader of Richmond Council, said: "South London is a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and enterprise – driving growth across frontier industries, professional services, creative sectors, and environmental research.

"The London Growth Plan rightly recognises that London's future success depends on strong local economies like ours."

'South London is a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and enterprise,' says Cllr Gareth Roberts (Credit: Richmond Council)

South London, home to more than 1.2 million people, drives a £30 billion economy, supporting 550,000 jobs and 55,000 businesses.

It is a hub of innovation, hosting world-class institutions like the London Cancer Hub, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, and the National Physical Laboratory, alongside iconic sporting landmarks and tourist attractions such as Twickenham Stadium, Wimbledon's All England Club, Selhurst Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Hampton Court Palace.

With some of the UK's landmark parks and green spaces, South London is a sought-after destination to live, work, and invest.

The sub-region is already driving London's economy forward through:

• Powering innovation – the SLP's BIG South London programme, since January 2021, has added more than £32 million GVA to the local economy by supporting over 850 businesses and organisations, leveraging over £10 million in additional investment for research, development, and innovation, creating over 900 new jobs, developing more than 150 new products and services, and fostering over 200 collaborations between universities and businesses.
• Attracting investment – with a dynamic mix of industries, strong local economies, and booming high streets, South London is a driver of London's broader economic growth.
• Driving the visitor economy – from international sporting events to cultural landmarks, South London's tourism and hospitality sectors make a major contribution to London's global appeal.
• Delivering new homes – meeting London's housing needs to ensure the capital has the skilled workforce to drive future growth.

While South London is already delivering on many of the ambitions in the London Growth Plan, leaders are calling for:

• Better transport links – improved orbital connectivity across South London to unlock new economic opportunities, reduce congestion, and better connect businesses with local talent.
• Faster, more reliable digital infrastructure – high-quality digital connectivity essential for business growth, education, and innovation in the modern economy.

Councillor Roberts added: "The London Growth Plan sets out an exciting vision – and South London is key to making it happen. We are ambitious for our future to ensure growth is truly inclusive and sustainable.

"To fully deliver on this vision, we will also need investment in infrastructure — better transport and stronger digital connectivity — so businesses, workers, and communities can fully benefit from future opportunities. We look forward to working with partners across London to make this vision a reality."

This spring, the South London Partnership will release its own ambitious growth plan, outlining how the sub-region will continue to drive investment, innovation, and long-term growth for businesses and residents.