Paul Broadhurst reports from our recent talk exploring the status of the nighttime economy and its potential to flourish once more.

Since London’s first Night Czar, Amy Lamé, was appointed in 2016, the Greater London Authority has been building the case for better nighttime planning. The night has been hidden from view – with high street managers and local decision-makers often unaware of what happens through the dark half of the day. Through the London Plan and other strategies, the Mayor has laid the ground for a thriving 24-hour city and called on boroughs to produce Night Time Strategies that plan for all aspects of work, rest and pleasure at night.

 

Lucy and Mark’s talks showed just how far London has come. The Heart of London Business Alliance is developing a Night Time Strategy for the first time and basing it on data, insights and real-life evidence. Their aim is to make the West End more diverse and inclusive at night, serving more people’s needs and attracting a world-class workforce. And they’re putting their money - and ingenuity - where their mouth is, bringing their public realm to life with celebrations of art, culture, and the area’s incredibly diverse heritage.

 

Lucy took us on a virtual journey from the West End to Woolwich and the incredible new Woolwich Works. This landmark development has brought new life and new economic activity to Woolwich after dark with a cleverly planned culture and hospitality destination that is home to the outstanding Punch Drunk immersive theatre company. Lucy showed how thrilling the night can be. Howarth Tompinks’ wonderful celebration of light, glass, heritage, and humanity has resulted in the stunning reimagining of iconic spaces such as the Young Vic, the National Theatre and the Battersea Arts Centre.

 

As we build a more inclusive 24-hour city, we will need to grasp new challenges, such as how to build sustainable homes fit for a 24-hour city. I look forward to working with London’s planners, developers, designers, and place makers to ensure we create homes where Londoners can get good sleep 24/7, in high streets and town centres that serve their needs around the clock.