The UK’s night-time economy – a missed opportunity
The UK’s night-time sector, despite often being the forgotten segment in placemaking brings in around £60 million into the UK each year.
However, we should encourage those involved with master planning to look beyond just the economic contribution. All normal life activities that occur during the day, also happen between 6pm and 6am, even if we have not historically planned for it.
Did you know…
- 1 in 5 of the UK’s population are night-time workers
- 1 in 3 of London’s population are night-time workers (33% work in health, professional services and culture and leisure) and 1 in 3 of the workers are BAME
- 50% of night bus journeys are for work
- 2 in 3 Londoners are active at night (errands, socialising, culture, exercising)
- 54% of Londoners go to bed after 11pm
- 2 in 3 babies are born at night
SAY recently attended the Greater London Authority London at Night Conference, which highlighted the importance of collaborative vision, coordinated infrastructure and making use of the in between spaces as buildings adapt to flexible spaces for those working, socialising and exercising during the night.
The event also looked at how the high street could be adapted to support the night time activities of Londoners.
So, how do we create a fair, diverse and sustainable 24-hour city?
If we take a look at London’s Woolwich, Vauxhall and Bromley areas which have been selected as the Mayor’s Night-Time Enterprise Zones, they are dedicated to supporting a thriving, diverse and inclusive night-time offer after being awarded £130,000.
This funding is to develop a range of activities and programmes to make the streets more welcoming after 6pm and supporting businesses, encouraging more Londoners to use their local high streets at night.
By increasing the number of night workers that benefit from good work standards it will make the high street more welcoming and inclusive for a diverse range of people after 6pm.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“Local businesses and high streets are at the heart of our communities, but they are struggling due to the spiralling cost of doing business and the lasting impact of the pandemic. I am committed to doing all I can to support them during these challenging times and am proud that we are creating three Night Time Enterprise Zones to bring innovative ideas that will support our high streets after 6pm.”
Find out more information about the Night Time Enterprise Zones here.
What can developers and landlords do?
Developers and landlords play an important part , not just during the day time but also in the night time.
Commercial spaces, public realm and in between spaces in schemes need to be reconsidered around the holistic needs of all residents during a range of times.
Does your development work 24/7? Our upcoming blog will investigate ways this can be achieved.
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