Council launches consultation on strategy to improve night life and safety
A council wants to hear from residents on its plans to make the borough safer after dark.
Westminster council has launched its first ever After Dark Strategy, now open for public consultation.
The strategy aims to maintain the area’s night life and economy between 6pm and 6am while meeting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, said: “Westminster has long been a global hub of activity and culture, drawing visitors from around the world with its unique mix of history, entertainment, and innovation
“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.”
Measures include installing an extra 100 CCTV cameras, improving street lighting and expanding the police unit to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Plans would prioritise support and protection for LGBTQ+ spaces, whilst all new licensed venues would be required to assess and mitigate risks to women’s safety with a zero tolerance approach to harassment.
Late-Night Entertainment Zones are planned for Oxford Street, The Strand, and Victoria Street to support live music, theatre, and creative venues while managing noise in residential communities.
Elsewhere the strategy would see a push for better transport options, further non-alcohol-led activities with extended retail and museum openings and encouraging venues to host ‘quiet nights’ with reduced noise levels and dimmed lighting.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “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 strategy has been shaped by public engagement, including feedback from residents, businesses, cultural institutions, and night-time workers.
Westminster’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) said: “We welcome the opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of Westminster after dark, and it’s right the council have plans to secure the future of the evening and night-time economy.”
The consultation runs until Sunday 22 June 2025. Find out more about Westminster After Dark and have your say.
Pictured top: Westminster council has launched its first ever After Dark Strategy, now open for public consultation (Picture: Westminster council)