London's 24-hour culture investigated by Assembly

12.01.00am GMT Tue 30th Nov 2004

Are Londoners coping with the increasing number of bars, clubs and restaurants open throughout the night in the capital?

The growth of the capital's vibrant and lucrative night-time economy and how this could conflict with the quality of life of communities living nearby will be investigated by the London Assembly tomorrow.

The Mayor's blueprint for the capital stresses the need for more houses in London. But limited space has resulted in many communities being located close to and within very busy town centres, which also need to expand to boost the economy. The Assembly's Economic Development and Planning Committee wants to ensure that local authorities are properly managing this growing sector and any extra noise, litter and pollution.

The Committee's inquiry will also examine:

· If there are appropriate on-going talks between the affected communities, the voluntary sector, businesses and local authorities to ensure that Londoners would benefit from any changes to their areas

· How good practice in planning and designing town centres can be shared across boroughs to assist with the management of a 24-hour capital

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the Committee, said: "The right balance must be sought to ensure that residents, businesses and the capital's economy can benefit from London being open around the clock. More people are expected to live above shops and close to bars in very busy town centres. But mixed use developments can only work if they are properly managed."

At the start of the Committee's public hearings1 on Tuesday 30 November, Assembly Members will question Pat Cox - London Borough of Camden; Graham McNally - Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames; Patricia Brown - Central London Partnerships; and Charmaine Young - St George plc. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to ask questions at the meeting.

During the investigation, Assembly Members will be visiting town centres to gain further knowledge of the issues. In advance of this, Members would like to hear from Londoners who live near late-night venues or who own businesses in such areas. Comments on what can be done to better plan and design city centres can be emailed to: Richard.davies@london.gov.uk or write to him at City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA.

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. The meeting takes place at 10am on Tuesday 30 November at City Hall. It is open to the public and media are welcome. The agenda is available at: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly/econ_plan/2004/econ30nov/econ30novagenda.jsp