On 27 January, 2026 Lambeth Council launched its first Night Time Economy Strategy, detailing how it aims to protect and grow the night time economy across the borough over the next five years.
In line with the goals of the Lambeth Growth Plan, this new 96-page strategy document acknowledges the vital role played by the night time economy across Lambeth.
In particular, the South Bank is spotlighted as “a place where the night time economy supports both our local identity and global reputation”, with the strategy document stating that "the South Bank's cultural institutions alone contribute £510 million to the UK economy annually".
Four themes have been identified to underpin this new Strategy: Space and Place, Business Friendly Lambeth, Inclusivity and Wellbeing, and Culture and Visitor Economy.
Highlighted across all four themes is Lambeth’s determination to work with BIDs in the borough to identify areas of improvement and to maximise opportunities for businesses operating in the evening.
“South Bank: World Class Culture and the Best of the Thames”
South Bank BID was consulted during the production of the strategy and several priority areas that we highlighted are referenced including: the need for improved wayfinding, integration of the night time economy into the Waterloo Station Vision, the transformation of the Spine Route and the transformation of the Undercrofts surrounding the BFI IMAX.
The Strategy also emphasises the ongoing partnership work of the BID's security provision that includes South Bank Patrol and our full-time Security Manager. To address safety challenges and pickpocketing at night, the Strategy states that Lambeth will promote these initiatives and advocate for increased public safety provision with partners.
Quoted in the document, Nic Durston, CEO of South Bank BID, explains that: “The South Bank has a world-leading nighttime economy. Attracting over 35 million annual visitors, it’s also home to a diverse mix of residents, workers, businesses, students and community organisations. This strategy supports our shared aims for a World Class South Bank for Everyone”.
You can read the full Lambeth Night Time Economy Strategy online here.
