The town hall has highlighted Walthamstow, Blackhorse Lane, Leyton, Leytonstone, Lea Bridge, Highams Park and North Chingford as areas it wants to see more night-time activity, reports Marco Marcelline
Waltham Forest Council is set to approve a new strategy aimed at boosting the borough’s night-time economy.
The Evening and Night-time Economy Framework, set for approval at cabinet next week, sets out how the borough intends to support, manage and grow activity between 6pm and 6am across all wards.
Rather than focusing narrowly on pubs and clubs, the council defines the night-time economy as encompassing everything from eating out and shopping to sport, culture, learning, creativity, travel and night-time work.
The aim, according to the council, is to make town centres safer, more welcoming and more economically resilient after dark.
The strategy identifies a number of locations where evening and night-time activity will be prioritised, including Walthamstow, Blackhorse Lane, Leyton, Leytonstone, Lea Bridge, Highams Park and North Chingford.
These areas are described as places with existing evening activity or clear potential for growth, where “coordinated action” could improve safety, footfall and local business performance.
The framework prioritises include promoting and increasing evening activity, including cultural programming and “better use of council-owned and private commercial spaces”.
There is also a focus on creating pathways into night-time jobs and supporting people who work evenings and nights, in addition to helping operators diversify their offer and better navigate licensing processes.
The framework also includes a strong emphasis on crime prevention, anti-social behaviour and inclusive public spaces that are safe for women and girls, LGBTQIA+ people, the less-abled, older and younger residents, and those working at night.
The council argues that busier, well-programmed town centres create “natural surveillance”, making streets safer while supporting local businesses, and commits to continued partnership with transport authorities and the police to improve lighting and CCTV in streets and transport hubs.
The strategy reportedly does not require additional council funding. Instead, it aims to better coordinate existing teams and programmes, attract external funding and private investment, and increase commercial income and business rates over time.
The council says the framework is intended to remain a “live document”, with ongoing engagement planned with residents and businesses once it is launched in February.
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