The City of London Corporation is an unusually diverse organisation with three main aims – to support and promote the Square Mile, the financial and business heart of the UK, by maintaining and enhancing its status as the world’s leading international financial and business centre; to provide the highest quality local government services within the Square Mile for the benefit of workers, residents and visitors alike; and to provide valued services to London and the nation as a whole, especially regeneration of the surrounding area in partnership with its neighbouring boroughs. The City pre-dates parliament and its experience and tradition underpins its modern and efficient services. Its responsibilities extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of Guildhall Art Gallery , Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, 10,700 acres of open space including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest , three wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port Health Authority. It operates on a non-party political basis through its Lord Mayor, aldermen and elected council members.