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London’s Silicon Roundabout is over — say hello to the Tech Belt

“They used to all crowd together. Now, a number of companies are pulling in different directions, saying ‘I’m big enough, I’ve got 3,000 people, I don’t need to go there because people will come to us’.”

The Silicon Roundabout was lauded as London's great tech hub. Does it still have that power?
The Silicon Roundabout was lauded as London's great tech hub. Does it still have that power? Photo: Getty Images

For London’s technology community, the iconic Silicon Roundabout has seemingly outlived its relevance.

Coined around a decade ago to describe London’s trendiest tech playground, the Silicon Roundabout covers a swathe of Shoreditch streets filled with startups, co-working hubs and innovation. A large white sculpture made of metal pipes with an electronic billboard inside signposted your arrival, with the real-life Old Street roundabout crowded on all sides by arty offices and overpriced coffee spots.

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