The strategy seeks to balance a vibrant economy with the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring that Westminster remains a world-class destination from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m
Westminster City Council has unveiled its first-ever Westminster After Dark Strategy and implementation plan, aimed at enhancing the city’s evening and night-time environment. The strategy seeks to balance a vibrant economy with the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring that Westminster remains a world-class destination from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Key elements of the strategy include:
Enhanced Safety Measures
The plan introduces expanded CCTV coverage, improved lighting, and greater protections for women and vulnerable individuals. This includes a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and predatory behaviour in new licensed venues.
Late-Night Entertainment Zones
Dedicated zones in areas such as Oxford Street, The Strand, and Victoria Street will encourage the establishment of new live music and entertainment venues under a new licensing framework. This aims to manage noise and ensure a harmonious coexistence with residential areas.
Family-Friendly Activities
The strategy promotes improved accessibility and more family-friendly or non-alcoholic activities, making the night-time environment inclusive for all ages.
Support for LGBTQ+ Venues
The council prioritises the protection and support of culturally significant LGBTQ+ spaces, ensuring they continue to thrive as safe and inclusive venues.
Improved Public Spaces
The plan includes investments in night-time public spaces with amenities and inclusive design, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
The draft strategy is now open for public consultation, inviting feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders to refine and strengthen the final plan. The council aims to address concerns around anti-social behaviour and enhance the overall experience after dark.
Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said, “Westminster After Dark aims to balance the needs of a thriving evening and night-time offer with the wellbeing of the residents who call Westminster their home. Following extensive engagement, this strategy explores how we will remain a welcoming, innovative, inclusive, and liveable city with something on offer for everyone. I encourage everyone to get involved and respond to the consultation.”
Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, added, “Westminster has long been a global hub of activity and culture, drawing visitors from around the world. As the city continues to attract visitors and businesses to its vibrant evening and night-time scene, we are prioritising a safer night-time environment. Our measures to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve women’s safety will boost economic opportunities for night-time venues and enhance the city as a welcoming, thriving, and resilient place for everyone.”
Westminster’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have welcomed the opportunity to shape the future of Westminster after dark, encouraging as many voices as possible to contribute ideas and have their say during the consultation period, which runs until the end of June.
