Recent years have seen important progress in developing management strategies for the night-time economies (NTEs), involving cooperation across a wide range of agencies. Yet, at the same time, a culture of low expectations has emerged and an absence of ambition with regard to what the NTE can achieve in making numerous positive contributions to the social, cultural and economic life of towns and cities. Such attitudes reveal an entrenchment of the status quo in the UK, where it is still difficult to buy a coffee after 6.30 in the evening. Bringing together a new body of research which examines and compares international case studies of initiatives, this volume looks at how best to develop and implement long-term visions for sustainable development of NTEs and, in doing so, promotes a more informed debate about the value of activity in cities after dark. It shows how current street life and services after dark may well be preventing the exploitation of business opportunities in retail, the visual and performing arts, sports and physical recreation, to name but a few potential growth areas. Whilst much of the book is concerned with what has been learnt about reducing the negative social externalities of the NTE that are often the concern of local communities, politicians, the police, health practitioners, responsible business owners and managers, and many other stakeholders, there is also a story to tell that is both positive and aspirational. The book considers how those who care about creating great places in which to live, work, and play around the clock might develop and implement strategies for the night-time city that transcend its reputation as simply a 'problem' to reduced.
