The past 12 months has seen a dramatic change in our relationship with cities. Working from home, shopping online, home schooling and the Government’s instruction to “stay local” has meant that our city centres have gone from thriving metropolises to ghost towns. Many firms are considering their office space needs and national retailers are reducing their presence on the high street. Is this the time to rethink our cities?

Speaking in the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy said, “we will neglect our cities to our peril, for in neglecting them we neglect the nation”. But has covid-19 proved too big a challenge for our cities, highlighting their essentially Victorian premise which is now out of step with modern life meaning their future is indeed in peril?

Conversely, the technology revolution could provide the opportunity to develop new capabilities and re-think our cities and the way we live and work. Could Paris’s 15-minute city concept (where everything residents need can be reached within 15 minutes by foot, bike or public transport) become a reality? Will the trend towards urban growth continue, or will the pandemic and its aftermath continue to push people away?

Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities, discusses the city’s future and how technology and the impact of the pandemic may or may not change metropolitan life.