Policy HC6 — Supporting the night-time economy

Policy HC6 Supporting the night-time economy A Boroughs should develop a vision for the night-time economy, supporting its growth and diversification, in particular within strategic areas of night-time activity (see Table A1.1 and Figure 7.6), building on the Mayor’s Vision for London as a 24-Hour City. [129] B In Development Plans, town centre strategies and planning decisions, boroughs should: 1) promote the night-time economy, where appropriate, particularly in the Central Activities Zone, strategic areas of night-time activity, and town centres where public transport such as the Night Tube and Night Buses are available 2) improve access, inclusion and safety, and make the public realm welcoming for all night-time economy users and workers 3) diversify the range of night-time activities, including extending the opening hours of existing daytime facilities such as shops, cafés, libraries, galleries and museums 4) address the cumulative impact of high concentrations of licensed premises on anti-social behaviour, noise pollution, health and wellbeing and other issues for residents and nearby uses, and seek ways to diversify and manage these areas 5) ensure night-time economy venues are well-served with safe and convenient night-time transport 6) protect and support evening and night-time cultural venues such as pubs, night clubs, theatres, cinemas, music and other arts venues. C Promoting management of the night-time economy through an integrated approach to planning and licensing, out-of-hours servicing and deliveries, safety and security, and environmental and cleansing services should be supported. Boroughs should work closely with stakeholders such as neighbouring boroughs, the police, local businesses, patrons, workers and residents. 7.6.1 The night-time economy refers to all economic activity taking place between the hours of 6pm and 6am, and includes evening uses. Night-time economic activities include eating, drinking, entertainment, shopping and spectator sports, as well as hospitality, cleaning, wholesale and distribution, transport and medical services, which employ a large number of night-time workers. 7.6.2 The night-time economy is becoming increasingly important to London’s economy. The Mayor is keen to promote London as a 24-hour global city, taking advantage of London’s competitive edge and attractiveness for businesses and people looking to expand beyond the usual daytime economy into night-time economic opportunities. However, 24-hour activities are not suitable for every part of London, and boroughs should balance the needs of local residents in all parts of London with the economic benefits of promoting a night-time economy. 7.6.3 London’s night-time economy is generally focused in the Central Activities Zone (CAZ) and within town centres across the city. Different areas of night-time activity function at different scales and have different catchments. They have been classified, as set out in Table A1.1 and Figure 7.6, into three broad categories: NT1 – Areas of international or national significance NT2 – Areas of regional or sub-regional significance NT3 – Areas with more than local significance 7.6.4 Each night-time economy area will have its own character, which should be recognised and supported in order to maintain the rich diversity of London’s night-time economy . Areas of international or national significance play a crucial role in putting London on the world stage, bringing internationally-renowned culture, performers and productions. Regional and sub-regional areas attract visitors from across and beyond London, and often have one or more larger venues and a mature night-time economy. These are generally in London’s larger town centres. Areas with more than local significance draw visitors from other parts of London and tend to feature smaller venues and premises. 7.6.5 In addition, there are some town centres where the night-time economy serves the local area as well as other specific locations – such as London’s wholesale markets, major hospitals, and some industrial areas – where there is significant economic or service activity at night . This includes some retail and service industries, health services, policing and security, and transport and logistics. In exercising their various functions, boroughs should have regard to the strategic areas of night-time activity, as well as other night-time economic functions, and should set out strategies and policies that support the specific role of these areas in order to promote London’s night-time economy. 7.6.6 There are many benefits to promoting night-time economic activity such as generating jobs, improving income from leisure and tourism, providing opportunities for social interaction, and making town centres safer by increasing activity and passive surveillance. Managing issues such as transport, servicing, increased noise, crime, anti-social behaviour, perceptions of safety, the quality of the street environment, and the potential negative effects on the health and wellbeing of Londoners, will require specific approaches tailored to the night-time environment, activities and related behaviour. Boroughs are encouraged to consider appropriate management strategies and mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts on the quality of life of local residents, workers and night-time economy customers, particularly in areas with high concentrations of licensed premises. Boroughs should also take account of local circumstances when considering whether to concentrate or disperse evening and night-time activities in town centres or within the CAZ. Boroughs should consider applying for accreditation with schemes such as Purple Flag [130] which provide a standard of excellence in managing the night-time economy. 7.6.7 Large concentrations of night-time activities can result in some places lacking activity and vitality during the day. Boroughs should consider opportunities to encourage the daytime uses of buildingLondon Plan Policy HC6 · official source →