In a bid to address noise complaints from local residents, a new nighttime plan for Central London is set to create dedicated late-night entertainment zones. The Westminster City Council unveiled the plan as part of the Westminster After Dark Strategy, highlighting areas like Oxford Street, The Strand, and Victoria Street as targeted zones for live music, theatre, and creative venues. This move aims to shift noise away from residents living near existing entertainment venues in Central London.
The decline of nightlife venues in the capital has been a cause for concern, with figures suggesting that nearly 20% of venues have closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents in Central London have been vocal about complaints aimed at entertainment venues, prompting the need for a strategic approach to balance the needs of both residents and night-time activities. Local business owners, such as Jeremy Joseph from G-A-Y, have criticized the council for prioritizing locals over the area’s cultural significance.
With the launch of Sadiq Khan’s “Nightlife Taskforce” earlier this year, the Westminster After Dark Strategy is another step towards revitalizing London’s nightlife scene. The strategy includes plans for quiet nights, calm zones, and family-friendly activities, while also addressing safety concerns at venues. Measures such as installing additional CCTV cameras and improving street lighting aim to target anti-social behavior and ensure the safety of all individuals in entertainment areas.
Westminster City Council’s Geoff Barraclough emphasizes the importance of balancing a thriving evening and night-time offer with the wellbeing of residents. The consultation on the strategy is open until June 22, inviting feedback from the community. The strategy aims to maintain Westminster as a welcoming, innovative, inclusive, and liveable city, catering to the diverse needs of its residents and visitors alike
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