Night Time Enterprise Zones announced to help revive London's high streets

The new Night Time Enterprise Zones will enable boroughs to encourage more people to use their high streets after 6pm and boost the local economy. 

Coming after a successful pre-pandemic pilot in Walthamstow, the new funding, in partnership with the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), will create at least three zones across the capital where boroughs will work with businesses and local communities to develop ideas to make their high streets more accessible, inclusive and welcoming at night.

They will be supported to develop a range of ideas, such as extending opening hours or holding special events, taking measures to improve women’s safety and supporting good work standards for those working at night.

“High streets are the lifeblood of our communities and have a key role to play in our economic recovery from the pandemic,” says Khan. 

“Our Night Time Enterprise Zone pilot showed what is possible for our town centres at night and by expanding the zones to more areas we will help local authorities and businesses make their high streets more welcoming and inclusive after 6pm. It’s another example of how we are working to build a better London for everyone after the pandemic.”

The 2019 pilot in Waltham Forest saw businesses increase footfall on Walthamstow High Street by 22%, with extend opening times, more events, increased promotion and repurposing of council-owned buildings helping to improve safety perceptions and widen local participation.

“Our city is incredibly active at night, but too often our high streets shut down from 6pm, offering no reason for people to be there,” says Amy Lamé, London's Night Czar.

“We have an opportunity to work in partnership to boost local businesses, communities and the wellbeing of night workers across the capital. Through our Night Time Enterprise Zone programme we want to help reimagine our high streets with innovative ideas and help councils, communities and businesses to pioneer better ways of living, working and doing business.”

The programme supports the Mayor’s ambition to make London a 24-hour city and work to drive the capital’s economic recovery.