Mayor of London announces £500K programme to drive economic recovery

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has announced the capitals new Night Time Enterprise Zones project in hopes to boost the local economy.

London’s nightlife was devasted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and with businesses now battling the spiralling costs of living, the city’s Mayor has awarded three areas with £500K to help boost the local economy.

The Mayor of London said, ‘Local businesses and high streets are at the heart of our communities, but they are struggling due to the spiralling cost of living and the lasting impact of the pandemic.

‘I am committed to doing all I can to support them during these challenging times and I am proud that we are creating three Night Time Enterprise Zones to bring innovative ideas that will support our high streets after 6pm.’

The areas that will experience improvements are Bromley town centre, Vauxhall and Woolwich.

Each borough has been given £130K to develop a range of activities and programmes to make their streets more welcoming after dark.

In Vauxhall, the council plans to activate unique spaces such as the Pleasure Garden Tunnel to celebrate the area’s LGBTQI+ history through murals designed by local artists.

Woolwich will be creating a low-level sustainable lighting scheme connecting the town centre and the Royal Arsenal, improving safety and creating a more welcoming destination.  

Additionally, Bromley have plans to introduce winter lights and night markets that will be accompanied by a campaign to raise the profile of the town centre.

As well as making the streets visually appealing, Mr Khan has also partnered with the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP) to ensure local businesses in these areas also become more accessible.

Other areas in London including Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Harrow and Islington are set to receive £25K each to construct ideas that make licensing policies and processes less time consuming and costly for local businesses.

Likewise, Mr Khan has also introduced the first-of-its kind Women’s Night Safety Charter for councils, businesses and venues to prioritise women’s safety at night.  

Kate Nicholls, UK Hospitality Chief Executive said, ‘The new Night Time Enterprise Zones announced by the mayor will be a real boost for London’s late-night businesses and this move recognises the huge value they deliver to the city.

‘The schemes to make licensing more business-focused will be welcomed by venues, particularly as it will provide some much-needed help in the current economic climate.

‘The established Women’s Night Safety Charter and guidance for Councils to develop Night Time Strategies complement the extensive work that venues across the capital are already doing to ensure the best experience for customers, from start to finish.’

Photo by Sergiy Voronov