Boris Johnson believes cities like Leeds will be 'full of life' again as they bounce back from pandemic

Speaking at the Downing Street briefing on Monday, Boris Johnson said he did not believe the pandemic would lead to a fundamental change in the way people live in cities as more people become used to remote working.

The comments were made as he outlined the road map out of lockdown, which could see all restrictions lifted by June 21.

The Prime Minister defended his “cautious but also irreversible” approach to relaxing restrictions with a four-step plan on Monday, arguing he will not be “buccaneering” with people’s lives.

When asked if there would be a fundamental shift in working trends, Mr Johnson said there may be opportunities for offices to be turned into residential accommodation in town centres and high streets.

But he added: “I don’t believe this is going to mean a fundamental change to the way our life in our big cities really works.”

Describing the time he was chairman of Transport for London (TFL), he said: “I remember the better remote communication gets and the more people can see each other and talk on mobile devices… the more actually they want to see each other face to face.

“And that, I’m sure, will come back and I think that London, our great cities, will be full of buzz and life and excitement again, provided that people have confidence about coming back into those city centres.

“I’m a sceptic when people say this is going to lead to a massive change in urban life, I’m doubtful.

“I believe our great cities will bounce back along with the rest of the economy once we’ve got this road map delivered.”

It comes as the owners of bars and restaurants in Leeds express their joy at being able to open outdoor seating as early as April.

But business owners have warned that this will not bring hospitality activity back to pre-pandemic levels, particularly as not all hospitality venues have the "luxury" of outdoor space.

Stu Butterworth, director of outdoor Leeds venue Chow Down, said: "Broadly speaking, it's positive that there is a road map of the way out of this.

"We're fortunate as we designed our venue around Covid and it was set up as a purpose built outdoor space, but other venues don't have that luxury.

"It really is great for us though and although it is still condition-dependent that we can open in April, we can start to look forward to opening.

"However, more needs to be done to support the majority of venues in the wider industry with no or limited outdoor spaces because it's going to be really hard to last until May for them.

"They will find it really tough and some just won't reopen if it's not worth it, for example it's going to be really difficult to work with these rules in a small beer garden space."

Mr Butterworth's concerns have been echoed by Welcome to Yorkshire, which warns the 'outdoor economy' is not suitable for all businesses.

The tourism body's Chief Executive Jason Mason said: "Many businesses, particularly in hospitality may not find a way through the latest restrictions, if they cannot open before summer and further financial support is not forthcoming.

"Serving outdoors ‘only’ will not be practical for all establishments but those that can have this option may well take the opportunity to exercise it, and if financially viable all things considered, they should.

"The ‘Outdoor Economy’ will only grow as people feel as safe as they did before. In time we’ll see, but these are the first steps as a route back to normality before society is fully reopened.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.