The ‘trailblazing’ Wandsworth Night Time Strategy has won a prestigious award for the innovative way it included the views of local people to help make the borough a better place to live
The Wandsworth Night Time Strategy has emerged victorious in the Community Engagement category of The Pineapple Awards, a prestigious accolade sponsored by the Design Council. These awards celebrate buildings and projects that create desirable spaces for living, working, and leisure. The strategy’s win highlights its innovative approach to community involvement and its potential to transform the borough’s evening and night-time environment.
The strategy was developed following an extensive public consultation process, which provided local residents with the opportunity to shape the final version. This approach reflects the council’s ambition to be an open, modern, and accessible body, committed to listening to and addressing the concerns of its residents. The judges were particularly impressed by the scope of the consultation, which reached across the entire borough and engaged marginalised groups through the use of digital engagement tools.
“The project tackled critical issues, such as women’s safety, and extended its conclusions well beyond the built environment,” the judges said. “A state-of-the-art example of how engagement can be innovative, inclusive, and impactful.”
The Wandsworth Night Time Strategy outlines the borough’s vision for the evening and night-time, focusing on safety, support for night workers in sectors like hospitality and healthcare, and the growth of the night-time economy. The strategy aims to diversify the range of businesses operating at night, moving beyond just eating and drinking establishments.
Several initiatives have already been implemented or are in development as a result of the strategy. These include improvement works in Roehampton, featuring new artwork and lighting; enhancements to the Falcon Road underpass; the Ask for Clive scheme, which aims to protect LGBTQ+ people; the establishment of a new Safe Space and revival of Pubwatch in Clapham Junction; targeted police operations in response to reports of harassment; and the exploration of anti-sexual harassment training as part of licensing conditions.
Another council initiative, improvements to Totterdown Street in Tooting, was shortlisted for the Community Space award in the Pineapples. This further demonstrates the council’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and ensuring they are safe and welcoming for all residents.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Kemi Akinola, expressed her delight at the recognition. “We always strive to listen to local people and put their views at the heart of what we do, so I’m really pleased our efforts have been recognised,” she said. “We knew that each of our experience of night-time depends very much on what we do and who we are, so our team worked incredibly hard to find innovative ways to make sure everyone could get their voices heard.”
The council’s dedication to community engagement is evident in the strategy’s development. By involving residents in the process, the council has ensured that the strategy addresses the specific needs and concerns of the community. This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the strategy but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
The strategy’s focus on safety is particularly noteworthy. Issues such as women’s safety have been prioritised, with initiatives like the Ask for Clive scheme and targeted police operations demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing these concerns. The inclusion of anti-sexual harassment training as part of licensing conditions shows a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
The support for night workers is another key aspect of the strategy. By recognising the unique challenges faced by those working in the hospitality and healthcare sectors, the council is taking steps to improve their working conditions and overall experience. This includes measures to ensure their safety and well-being, as well as initiatives to support the growth of the night-time economy.
The strategy’s vision for the night-time economy extends beyond traditional eating and drinking establishments. The council aims to diversify the range of businesses operating at night, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment that offers a variety of opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This approach not only supports local businesses but also enhances the overall appeal of the borough as a place to live, work, and play.
The implementation of the strategy is already yielding positive results. Improvement works in Roehampton, such as the addition of new artwork and lighting, are enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal and creating a safer environment. Similarly, improvements to the Falcon Road underpass are making this key transport link more accessible and welcoming for residents.
The establishment of a new Safe Space and the revival of Pubwatch in Clapham Junction are further examples of the strategy’s impact. These initiatives are creating safer and more inclusive environments for residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community and well-being. The targeted police operations in response to reports of harassment are also demonstrating the council’s commitment to addressing safety concerns and ensuring that all residents feel safe and secure.
