Hackney Council has revealed plans for a new nightlife strategy, a first-of-its kind initiative for the borough.
In an announcement shared on June 27th, city commissioners laid out the Good Evening Hackney strategy, emphasizing its aim to “create a safer, more inclusive borough that’s still at the forefront of London’s nightlife.” According to the statement, Hackney is one of the city’s highest-trafficked boroughs, especially after 5 PM.
As part of the strategy, the council plans to expand on nighttime welfare pop-ups it’s already begun to roll out in Shoreditch and surrounding areas. The pop-ups, operated by offer free water, phone charging and safety equipment. A new initiative will also see the council offer unique QR codes to those concerned about phone theft, which will allegedly make it easier for police to track stolen devices.
Also central to the plan is a new “Hackney Nights” map, set to feature information on late-night transportation, public toilet locations and “other important safety landmarks.” Venues in the borough that sign up for “accreditation” with the council will also receive training on noise reduction and drink spiking prevention—finally, the programme will offer select discounts at spaces around the borough to low-income families, “increasing their access to arts and culture.”
Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said the strategy “aims to ensure that local residents and businesses are the first to benefit from Hackney’s evening economy and that the borough stays safe, inclusive and vibrant at night.”
“But,” she added, “it is also an acknowledgement that Hackney can’t stay at the cutting-edge by standing still. We know that how people choose to spend their time and money is changing, and we want Hackney to remain a go-to destination through that change.”
