Monday 3 April: Heart of London Business Alliance, in collaboration with leading urban design practice Publica, have launched the first-ever plan aimed to build and support the evening and night-time economy (ENTE) in the West End.

The Evening and Night-time Economy Strategy, Vision and Action Plan provides an ambitious, integrated, and deliverable plan for this iconic part of the West End between the hours of 6pm and 6am. It sets out how the area can meet its full potential and become more inclusive, safe, accessible, attractive, and dynamic for those who work, visit, live, invest and run businesses here.

Accompanying the strategy is an economic analysis of the Evening and Night-Time Economy (ENTE) conducted by Arup. It shows that this economy is underperforming and struggling to recover from the pandemic. Growth line trends dictate that it should be worth £15.5 billion, instead of the current £14 billion. Without intervention, this gap will only widen.

Ros Morgan, Chief Executive of Heart of London Business Alliance said:

“The need for a coherent evening and night-time strategy has never been greater and will enable the West End to reach its full potential as a world-leading 24/7 city. This strategy is the first strategy of its kind for the West End and looks beyond the obvious, beyond a single industry or sector and beyond the day-to-day challenges of a city after dark. Instead, it elevates the conversation to look at the potential value of the evening and night-time economy to London’s West End”

To launch the strategy, members gathered together at St Martin’s Lane Hotel. Amy Lame, Night Czar for Mayor of London and Night-Time Champion for Westminster City Council Councillor Less joined us in explaining the value of the ENTE and the need for greater support.

To read the strategy in full click here. For further information, please contact info@holba.london.