Westminster City Council has revealed plans to introduce designated ‘nightlife and entertainment zones’ in Central London.
The plans, which are part of the council’s new Westminster After Dark initiative, are designed to respond to noise complaints from those living in the area, but some business owners argue that they could harm the city both culturally and economically. Central areas such as Oxford Street and The Strand are named as potential approved nighttime zones.
Under the potential measures, Metro reports that 100 additional CCTV cameras may be installed, while street lighting will also be improved throughout certain areas. The local council will further encourage businesses to set up designated ‘quite nights’ and noise-free areas to better support neurodivergent people.
“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,” Westminster City Council’s Geoff Barraclough said in a statement. “This new strategy is our response to the obvious challenges of managing these competing demands.”
Westminster City Council will consult people on the plans until June 22.
Last month, London Mayor Sadiq Khan launched the city’s first-ever nightlife taskforce, a group of 11 individuals who will aim to guide the local government on how it can help the city’s nightlife flourish. The taskforce was set up to replace the ‘night czar’ role, which Amy Lamé vacated last October.
