Independent study of evening and night time experience in Nottingham

The Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping and specialist licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, has commissioned a study of the evening and night time experience in Nottingham city centre.

This will be an independent assessment of how the city centre currently functions and performs with a view to developing an enhanced after dark strategy for the city centre going forward, for the benefit and enjoyment of people who live, work and study in the city and those that visit in the evening.

The study will begin at the end of November and will involve consultations with those that have a role in shaping the city after dark. This includes venue owners and operators as well as key user groups including students and young adults together with representatives of the police, Nottingham City Council, the universities and city centre management professionals such as town planners and architects working in the city. There will also be a public exhibition and consultation event to give local people the opportunity to have their say and contribute.

“We are fortunate that we have a great range of venues in the city centre and we have secured Purple Flag status for seven consecutive years which acknowledges that Nottingham is a vibrant and safe place for a night out, however we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Jeff Allen, chairman of the Nottingham BID. “By commissioning this independent study and working in partnership with our members – licensed premises and retailers in the city centre – as well as organisations that have a role to play in the city after dark, we can work together to shape what the city will look like in the evening and at night in years to come.”

“Nottingham has a great evening and night time economy and we need to build on our success,” said Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s police and crime commissioner. “This study will help us make it even better.”
“We welcome the recent openings and a growth in food-led operations in the city, investments that are both important and significant,” said Jonathan Smith, managing partner at Poppleston Allen. “However the city must not rest on its laurels and must continue to develop its evening and night-time economy, particularly with its large student population. Having our roots in Nottingham, we were keen to support this independent study into the evening and night-time economy which will hopefully encourage debate and dialogue about its future.”
“Any initiative that focuses on improving the evening and night time economy in the city is welcome,” said Steve Glynn, venue director of Alea Nottingham. “It helps to improve perceptions that Nottingham is a safe place to visit.”

“I am really pleased to see the introduction of this study – it is most welcome,” said Geoff Newton, chairman of Castle Rock Brewery. “Nottingham has become a night time destination in recent years with an explosion of new bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs. The work of the Nottingham BID and the contributions from its members helps to ensure that all those enjoying a night out can do so in a safe environment.”

For further information please contact Jonathan Smith on 0115 953 8500.