London committee recommends supporting city's nightlife to save ailing high street
A report to the mayor of London has recommended boosting the night-time economy to save the struggling high street with measures including extra funding and support to help businesses thrive.
Backed by representatives for the industry, a report into boosting the city's nightlife to stimulate job growth and make the most of disused spaces has called on the mayor's office to craft policy in a way that supports business between 6pm and 6am. Recommendations include support for "retail units or hotel lobbies hosting public art exhibitions, pop-up markets or performances".
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "I am very happy to have been able to play a role in the creation of the report in my role as chair of the Night-Time Commission.
"The commission also has the full support of UKHospitality and we look forward to aiding the report's implementation to support the fantastic late-night sector in London."
The report, Think Night: London's Neighbourhoods from 6pm to 6am, makes 10 recommendations to the mayor, including offering guidance for boroughs to help them to develop night-time strategies, and establishing a night-time enterprise zone fund, for which boroughs can bid for funds to develop their night-time offer.
It also calls for research to be carried out that establishes a case for longer opening hours.
UKHospitality's late night consultant Jon Collins added: "Late-night hospitality is a crucial part of the wider sector and nowhere is that more apparent than in the capital.
"The report provides a clear framework for partnership work to ensure the sector continues to thrive and achieves even more."
