London's offices lie empty as Covid cases rise amid post-pandemic plan to ...

Hundreds of empty offices in central London look set to be used in plans for a post-pandemic shake up that could see vacant units transformed into housing in a bid to revive the once-bustling area.

As Covid cases and hospitalisations continue to rise, both nationally and in the capital, hundreds of buildings in the historic City of London remain unused and largely devoid of life.

But clear desks, empty rooms and lifeless office blocks could be given a breath of fresh air after more than 18 months of stagnation, as plans were announced to provide 1,500 new homes by the end of the decade in the City earlier this year.

Leaders within the City of London Corporation had pointed to the potential repurposing of idle buildings in the Capital to kickstart a five-year strategy to build new homes and flats on long-term and affordable leases. 

Those suggestions were backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has previously pointed to the pandemic's potential to solve the capital's housing crisis - with now vacant offices being converted into affordable housing. 

Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Khan explained such a move could be the answer to London's rapidly rising need for housing.

But, the Labour Mayor did urge caution over plans to transform empty offices into permanent residential use.

He said: 'We shouldn't base permanent change on temporary behaviour.

'The last 16 months have left people thinking about their work-life balance.

'Many Londoners who worked in hospitality and culture returned to mum and dad in Yorkshire or Lancashire or

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