The Royal Borough of Greenwich is running a study to gather public feedback on the look and feel of its busiest areas – Eltham, Greenwich and Woolwich – between the hours of 6pm and 6am. The council are seeking views across four key themes: community and culture; economic health and development; crime and safety; and transport and accessibility.
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports and Environmental Services, said: “This study builds on the hard work we have been doing to create a thriving and inclusive night-time economy, working closely with our hospitality partners and other businesses to ensure the safe stewardship of the evening and night-time economy across local venues. Following the Night-time Enterprise Zone initiative, which extended family-friendly activities in the town centre until 8:30pm, we are committed to making each of our town centres vibrant destination spots. The Woolwich Lates event programme attracted over 13,000 people, increased footfall by a quarter, and impressively boosted local spending by sixty-three percent. The Night-time Workers’ Handbook supports the 29,000 employees in the borough who work between 6pm and 6am across a variety of sectors - including essential industries such as transport, health, retail, and facilities management. Collectively, these roles make up a significant part of our evening and night-time economy.
"We are proud to support the Mayor of London’s vision for a city that thrives beyond traditional hours to create accessible, and enjoyable night-time spaces for all. To achieve this, we want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure we meet their needs and develop a night-time economy that works for everyone.”
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “Feeling safe is fundamental to people going out after dark. It is therefore vital this study encompasses a focus on crime and safety, and that we take a holistic, integrated approach to evening and night-time activities. Through extensive and targeted engagement, we want to hear about what concerns people the most about their town centre, address challenges such as anti-social behaviour and put a plan in place that means everyone can enjoy our town centres after the daytime.”
This study is driven by the council’s commitment to creating vibrant, safe and inclusive public spaces that can be enjoyed after dark and builds on the success of previous night-time initiatives such as Woolwich Night-time Enterprise Zone pilot, Woolwich Lates and the Night-time Workers’ Handbook. The study is being supported by funding from the Mayor of London, and the findings will inform the development of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Evening and Night-time Strategy.
The council wants to hear from everyone who has a stake in our town centres: residents, businesses, community groups, transport partners, leisure and hospitality operators and property developers. Those wanting to give their views can take part in several ways: complete an online questionnaire, take part in a focus group or attend a drop-in session. There will be tailored sessions for young people and those who live, work or run a business in the town centre.
Please head to the consultation webpage to find out more and have your say. The consultation will close on Sunday 1 March.