THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM LONDON NIGHT TIME COMMISSION FOREWORD London is a world-class city. As such, of expert witnesses. In another world-first, it merits world-leading thoughts on all we commissioned new research to hear aspects of city life at night. from Londoners themselves about how they use the city between 6pm and 6am: what We are interested in London’s identity they do, what activities they take part in and at night. When we talk about night we crucially what more needs to be done to therefore consider it as broadly as we allow them to live their lives more fully. would the day. We have used a wide lens, looking at the wealth of activities that London is a dynamic and diverse ecosystem happen from 6pm to 6am. at night that goes far beyond commercial transactions. It incorporates the culture, Uniquely, London’s Night Time Commission character and atmosphere of our city. was established to build on London’s Londoners are more active between 6pm and strengths rather than to address a crisis. 6am, and have later bedtimes and a better Our focus goes well beyond the scope of quality of sleep, than anyone else in the other similar bodies that centre only on UK. Two-thirds of us regularly do everyday the night time economy. The Commission activities at night – errands, shopping, set itself a broad, holistic framework: to catching up with friends – and a staggering develop and help realise an ambitious 1.6 million of us usually work at night. vision for the life of our city, and those who live in it, between 6pm and 6am. Our city needs better planning to ensure life can thrive during these vital and vibrant This report paints a detailed portrait hours. We need to tackle the very real of London, bringing together our own challenges of cost and accessibility which research with the views of Londoners, the hold many of us back from living life to the input of Commissioners and the knowledge full at night. 2 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 3 Like the Mayor, we believe that London Our international research shows there has can provide so much more at night: more been a ‘top-down’ approach to managing chances for night workers to shop, post a cities at night. We do not believe this is parcel or find a peaceful spot for a break; right for London. This centralised approach more chances for people to engage in is often used to control problem areas. local decision-making, helping shape and It is not suitable for delivering diversity and celebrate their neighbourhood’s culture, helping neighbourhoods to flourish. As a heritage and character; more chances to city of villages and town centres, we feel find out what’s on offer across all parts of that broad, holistic night time strategies the city; more chances for businesses to should be set at borough level. This will develop, innovate and grow, generating ensure an approach that is tailored to the tax revenues, creating jobs and investing in special character of each area. their neighbourhoods. That said, the Mayor and his team have We are excited by night time opportunities a vital role to play in developing central for the public sector. Every neighbourhood resources that are available to boroughs has its own character born of its people, and support effective and mindful decision history and culture. Parks, museums, making. In writing this report, we’ve drawn libraries, town halls and other public on a wealth of new and existing research. buildings can be used differently at night However, it has been hard to access clear to offer people a bigger range of things and consistent data on which to base our to do. The traditional night time economy findings. To address this will require data can provide the buzz and launchpad for collection agencies, the GLA, government other cultural and community activities. and the commercial sector to work together, Making ‘daytime culture’ available after addressing the gaps in our knowledge of 6pm will also broaden what it means to be London from 6pm to 6am. This data will be in and around London’s many and various vital to inform borough policy-making. neighbourhoods at night. Finally, we would like to thank our fellow In addition to setting up new spaces, Commissioners for their time, support London can make better night time use and invaluable contributions throughout of ‘daytime’ spaces like shops and public this process. We share a consensus about buildings. ‘Nesting’ a night offer within what the issues and priorities for London an underused space will help to tackle at night should be. Our recommendations the decline of our high streets. Examples reflect this. Thanks also to everyone who include reinventing a hotel lobby or retail has helped us in our research. Let’s put this unit at night to exhibit public art, host a plan into practice and help our great city to pop-up market, or stage performances. If flourish at night. we don’t innovate, we risk losing our place as one of the most vibrant and liveable cities in the world. Kate Nicholls and Rommel Moseley Chair and Vice Chair of the London Night Time Commission 2 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 3 CONTENTS Foreword 2 Recommendation summary 8 1. An international perspective 18 2. Starting from a position of strength 24 3. A strategic approach: supporting boroughs as they shape thriving public 30 spaces, fuelling civic pride 4. Vibrant, attractive and diverse centres at night 44 5. Health, safety and wellbeing in a 24-hour city 54 6. Ensuring London works for workers 64 7. Promoting London in all its diversity to Londoners and visitors 72 4 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 5 MEMBERS OF THE LONDON NIGHT TIME COMMISSION Nihal Arthanayake, Ros Morgan, Presenter, BBC Radio Five Live CEO, Heart of London Business Alliance Hannah Barry, Rommel Moseley (Vice Chair), Founder, Bold Tendencies Director of Business Development and Partnerships, The Drinkaware Trust Laura Citron, CEO, London & Partners Lucy Musgrave, Director, Publica Alan Clamp, CEO, Security Industries Authority David Musker, Commander, The Metropolitan Police Service Cllr. Clare Coghill, Leader, London Borough of Waltham Forest Jo Negrini, CEO, London Borough of Croydon Paul Davies, Consultant Kate Nicholls (Chair), CEO, UK Hospitality Jamal Edwards MBE, CEO, SBTV Samantha Renke, Actress Jan Hart, Director of Public Protection, London Cllr Darren Rodwell, Borough of Islington Leader, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Cllr. Angela Harvey, Chair of Licensing, City of Westminster Indhu Rubasingham, Director, Kiln Theatre, Kilburn Les Isaac OBE, CEO, Ascension Trust Hannah Wadey, CEO, Safer Business Network David Lutton, Executive Director, Economy and Tax, Carly Wilford, London First DJ Shakira Martin, Alex Williams, President, National Union of Students Director of City Planning, Transport for London Alan Miller, Chair, Night Time Industries Association 4 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 5 NIGHT TIME WORKERS 1.6m people in London work at night TRAVEL 62% are men 191,000 1/5 2/3 1/4 31% work in health are BAME of all trips are for work. of all trips at of trips on 38% This is the same both night are for public transport day and night leisure reasons happen at night are women 178,000 work in professional services The biggest growth in public transport use is from 10pm to 7am 168,000 work in culture 54% 24% and leisure usually go to bed usually go to bed 50% after 11pm after midnight of night bus journeys 2/3 are for work of babies are CRIME OUTSIDE OF WORK born at night. 29% 65% The most common time is 4am of Londoners sleep of Londoners are 51% 36% very well, the highest active at night percentage in the UK drop in night time offences of Londoners involving alcohol from say it is too 2010 to 2017 expensive to go out at night WHAT DO THEY DO? socialise outside cultural sport 4.3% 75% the home activities and gym of all crimes at night of Londoners are alcohol-related and visitors 22% 42% 10%7% 19% offences feel safe walking alone at night personal errands other 6pm 6am 6 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 7 NIGHT TIME WORKERS 1.6m people in London work at night TRAVEL 62% are men 191,000 1/5 2/3 1/4 31% work in health are BAME of all trips are for work. of all trips at of trips on 38% This is the same both night are for public transport day and night leisure reasons happen at night are women 178,000 work in professional services The biggest growth in public transport use is from 10pm to 7am 168,000 work in culture 54% 24% and leisure usually go to bed usually go to bed 50% after 11pm after midnight of night bus journeys 2/3 are for work of babies are CRIME OUTSIDE OF WORK born at night. 29% 65% The most common time is 4am of Londoners sleep of Londoners are 51% 36% very well, the highest active at night percentage in the UK drop in night time offences of Londoners involving alcohol from say it is too 2010 to 2017 expensive to go out at night WHAT DO THEY DO? socialise outside cultural sport 4.3% 75% the home activities and gym of all crimes at night of Londoners are alcohol-related and visitors 22% 42% 10%7% 19% offences feel safe walking alone at night personal errands other 6pm 6am 6 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 7 8 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 9 RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY 8 THINK NIGHT: LONDON’S NEIGHBOURHOODS FROM 6PM TO 6AM 9 RECOMMENDATION 1: The Mayor should put the night at the heart of London policy- making.