Westminster has revealed plans for three late-night entertainment zones in central London

There’s all sorts of talk about how London’s nightlife isn’t what it used to be. With pubs frequently threatened by complaining neighbours, and nightclubs closing at alarming rates, it feels like soon London’s late night offering could become a shell of its former self. But what are councils actually doing about it? 

Westminster Council has just revealed a strategy that will breath new life into the city in the later hours. Called Westminster After Dark, the scheme – which is currently open for public consultation – hopes to improve the West End’s environment between 6pm and 6am, making it safer, while creating more opportunities for late-night entertainment. 

One strand of the strategy is to create ‘Late-Night Entertainment Zones’ in areas like Oxford Street, The Strand, and Victoria Street, where there will be live music, theatre and creative venues, while hopefully diverting noise away from residential areas. The council also plans to prioritise supporting ‘culturally significant LGBTQ+ spaces’.

Westminster also hopes to create more family-friendly late-night entertainment venues that aren’t oriented around alcohol. This could look like extended retail hours, night-time museum openings, creative workspaces, and community-led events. 

If you’re concerned about the racket, part of the plan involves encouraging venues to host sensory-friendly and inclusive entertainment, including specialised events with reduced noise levels, dimmed lighting, and designated calm zones.

In terms of safety, the council plans to install 100 CCTV cameras, and improve street lighting, in a bid to crack down on ‘anti-social behaviour and crime hot-spots’. 

Councillor 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. 

‘This new strategy is our response to the obvious challenges of managing these competing demands. Following extensive engagement, Westminster After Dark explores how we will remain a welcoming, innovative, inclusive, and liveable city with something on offer for everyone.’

The consultation runs until Sunday, June 22. You can have your say online here. 

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