So, arguably, where does London fit in this context? We are within the European Union, but yet we are not like cities, such as Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam. All of which have an established late-night economy. Therefore, does the evidence suggest that the London is like New York City? In the context of theory of a 24 hours? The development of a late night economy is suggested to be based around the entertainment industry. The concept of a 24-hour city has not been greatly elaborated in till recently where it was announced on the possible future changes of licensing laws in this country, an issue that is balanced by the positive and negative impacts. With more and more cities in the UK, wanting to establish a late-night economy (LGA: 2002). But yet, the question still rises to the fact that, is London open 24-hours? However, evidence suggest, such as the “Open Hours” report published in 1991, claims that London and other cities mention, is merely a “realistic 18-hour city”. Like Kreitzman, the report highlights that the catchy 24-hour slogan is away in competing with competitive cities in this world. Instead of false image slogan, the suggestion for the new marketing slogan for London would be “eighteen hours a day, seven days a week, economic, social and cultural center.
The report had identified a number of problems that the cities in the UK are lacking in the nighttime economy. These include:
- London has a lack of activities to participate at night,
- Pedestrian – unfriendly environments,
- Poor public transport provision at night,
- Restrictive licensing laws,
- Single activity visits by city center users
- Fear of crime
This will be tested in the findings, later in this dissertation.
2.3 Definitions of Urban tourism
(Law, 2002:P4) simply describes urban tourism to be “in urban area’s”
Douglas, N; Douglas, N; and Derret, R; defines urban tourism to be “mainstream and conventional activities, including visits to art galleries, theatre’s, museums, heritage attractions, and shopping”. A very broad and holistic overview to the concept or urban tourism.
Urbanized areas as law suggest in his definition, also perceives such area’s to be “dirty, crowded, congested, ugly, noisy, unhealthy, unsafe, and full of unpleasant people”. However, if this ant urban biases where true, places such as New York, Barcelona, and Amsterdam would not be succeeding in the industry today. A definition of such can only be recognized by an individual perspective, and not in generalization of urban tourism. However, Chatterton and Hollands argue this statement. It’s justification, that the perception can actually be true, in respect that there is a common relationship between young people and the city space (Chatterton and Hollands, 2002: P95). In particular to activities such as bars, clubs, and music venues that are participated in the nighttime economy. Public perception of the late night economy is associated in the changing lifestyle patterns. It is a fact that the younger generation has more money to spend on themselves and their lifestyles hence, that the 24-hour economy is highly demanded by this market segment.
The approach of a 24-hour economy is not just extended to the entertainment industry, but also businesses such as banks whereby many of which have established 24-hour banking.
A city has its own individuality; hence New York has different characteristics than of Barcelona. Hence, some people may not travel for the purpose of “common” tourism activity, but may travel for the purpose of seeing skyscrapers and architectural landscapes, for example.
2.4 Impacts of urban areas that have an established 24-hour economy
Tourism in general has known to have a number of impacts. Impacts in which can be both negative and positive impacts. The concept of urban tourism is of that the activity is participated in urban areas or commonly in cities. With increasing trends that are deriving the late night economy, such as work and lifestyle pattern, and city center living, negative impacts such as anti-social/ criminal behavior, noise, and of course the growing disadvantage of drugs and alcohol are more seen within city center’s area’s (LGA, 2002).
With the mentioned disadvantages, establishing more of London as a 24-hour economy will not only just create more jobs, but will also create possible future tourism for the city, hence, an economic benefit. Urban tourism can also be a form of inner city regeneration. Places or area’s of opportunity for development, can be beneficial to not just the visitors, but also to the local residents the importance of culture in a location, is a tool to “re-imaging the city on and international stage” (Lovatt and O’Connor, 1995 P: 129)
However, it is arguably to say that the key impacts can be minimized, and benefits generated as whole, but all of which need to be carefully planned.
In context, to the impacts that the West-end is currently facing, the increase of participation and levels of demand are beyond the area’s capabilities and are over spilling negative impacts (WCC, 2002). Although the area of the West-End is the cities main cultural quarter or late night economy district, it fails to manage and sustain its credibility. As the city’s key hotspots not only for the late night economy, but also for being a district that is concentrated with high levels of street crime. An aspect in which can determine the future role and function of London as a 24-hour city.
2.5 Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)
The general opinion of the planning system in this country is failing to recognize that time is of an important element. Its holistic approach is very beaucractic fails to manage key issues at hand at local level. But could this be the reason to why New York is highly recognized as a 24-hour city, and London to be recognized only for Buckingham Palace? An interesting concept, but very true among the generalized perceptions of many tourists visiting this country. So the question at hand is to say, “what does New York have, that London doesn’t? Not being to overwhelming to New York City, but one of its many recognizable achievements to urban planners is of its Business Improvement District (BID). A step forward into a lesser holistic approach to planning, the government is willing to support such a system (GLA, 2002).
The effective management technique had originated from New York, which till date still remains to be in implementation in area’s, such as the lower part of Manhattan.
The notion behind BIDS is to sustain all the activities that are within an area, under an effective management partnership. However, its success in the USA should be of benefit for the future to this city. But, the important aspect of BIDS, is that, it is majority run by private partnerships. An advantage to the extent that private companies are the initial stakeholders of the area, so government policies are not under scrutiny of this system (Kennedy and O’Connor, 1997).
Overall, this will be a challenge for the government and an achievement in adopting the BIDS system to the city.
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY
The dissertation main primary research will cover two effective qualitative methods, which are:
4.1 Phases of Research
4.1.1 Preliminary Research
The chosen topic was a challenge to the researcher; the there was a lack of academic literature available.
4.1.2 Exploratory Research
This phase was during the Christmas break. Its purpose was to gain relevant literature on the concept of 24-hour cities, or late-night economies in London and other destinations. Research governmental websites, tourism planning journals, and books on cultural tourism, urban tourism, and tourism management carried this out.
4.1.3 Secondary Research
The basis of the literature review. This stage had provided an early understanding, which later is compared to its theories with the research findings.
4.2 QUALITATIVE METHODS
4.2.1.Observation
This technique will hope to aim to establish the author’s personal viewpoint. An important step in observational research that needs to be taken under a lot of consideration. At this stage, the observational points for the district of the West-End will be Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. For the surrounding area of London Bridge, the two focus points will be between the bridge itself and Southwark Bridge.
As this dissertation is more focused on qualitative methods, the observation will be sampling. How is it managed? How is it sustained? Is one street different from another? All these questions are most likely to arise in the research. This will aim to familiarize the research on the extent of 24-hour city in London. At this stage, it is important not to drift away from the topic. That is one of the many disadvantages in observation, as just by simply looking can take in so much information, that may not be necessarily needed for the purpose of the dissertation.
The data gathered from this observation will record in note form. This will help the researcher not to be “cramped” in filling necessary forms, that can not be extend on the day of research.
4.2.2 Secondary data
The use of graphs, and pictures will help support the evidence generated in the primary research. Such evidence that is essential, and beyond the researcher’s capabilities to carry out. The Greater London Authority published this evidence in the governmental document, Late-night London.
CHAPTER FIVE
RESEARCH FINDINGS
5.1 Finding from the West End
As mentioned in the previous chapter, the primary research conducted was observation and analysis of current research that was conducted by the Greater London Authority.
The observational research gathered had shown that the area of the west end, in the opinion of the researcher, was highly condensed cultural and entertainment activities. The observation was carried along the area of Leicester Square at its peak times. It had also came to light to the researcher on the extent the of negative impacts that are surrounded by the area. Such impacts included the lack of street management the council have, as well as the levels of anti-social behavior, especially after-working hours.
The area’s is also small, in the extent, that the area surrounding the square has a number of Side Streets, which in theory can be a negative impact, in relation to managing visitor numbers. Due to over population within the area, noise pollution is followed, which then increase other negativity within the district
5.1.1 Tourism Area Life Cycle
The Tourist Area Life Cycle, also known as TALC MODEL, is a simplistic way into assessing a given area, and the levels of tourism activity it is in. As seen in Appendix 1, the model shows a number of stages. These stages all have different characteristics, and hence the “slope” indicates the level of maturity the area is in.
For the area the West End, Stagnation is the phase it is currently in. With the given observational evidence above, the destination is at its peak and does not need to require further demand. At this level, protection of the area needs to be sustained, otherwise decline is inevitable.
5.1.2 Secondary data analysis
Using the governments findings, and the researcher’s own observation, its had shown that the majority of nightclubs to be heavily condense in the area of the west end. This shows that Leicester Square alone, or the concept of 24-hour activity is filtering out towards other areas in the West End.
London’s evening economy and its hotspots clearly define the area’s popularity and the levels of visitor number it receives
This supports the evidence the researcher had made, in its primary research.
5.2 Findings from London Bridge
The findings of the London Bridge area, at shown future potential for the development of a late-night economy. During the day, the activity is work based, and a substantial number of tourist visit the area during the summer, especially passers by who walk along the south bank.
The area’s main evening activity is mainly focused on the strip along the riverbank. The area’s has a variety of mixed-use development.
5.2.1 Tourism Area Life Cycle in London Bridge
Again, looking at the cycle, evidence suggests that’s the area is at its early stages, and may be at its involvement phase. This is due to the fact that the area is experiencing visitor numbers at its early stages, and that public sector involvement is a prospect for the future of the area. The bids will be a great management tool to the area of London Bridge, as there is a range of business sector activities.
CHAPTER 6
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
In-depth interviews
Another key research method is to conduct in-depth interviews with the representatives from the following institutions and departments.
Westminster City Council / Southwark Council
An interview with a representative who works in the management of the West-End and the area of London-Bridge will help provide valuable information to the extent of the late-night economy in the given areas.
Central Cities Institute
This is an optional bonus, if a representative from the institute based at the University of Westminster. The aim for this interview would help give an academic overview in the growing possibilities that a 24-hour economy can bring to the city.
OTHER QUALITATIVE RESEARCH THAT CAN BE CONDUCTED
Still Photography
The aid of photography can help to create a clear image to what the West-End is, and what the area of London Bridge can be. Digitally enhanced images with the help of using the software program – Photoshop can create an image of the possible future in the area of London Bridge.
CHAPTER 7.
CONCLUSION
The initial concept of 24-hour cities when first read, had raised the question on “does the government have the capabilities in foreseeing a sustainable world city? The answer was then followed by the many concerns, which are key problems that the city is currently facing.
An interesting fact that the study indicates is there are more people in the streets between the times of 4am –5am than during the morning rush hour. The study is also realistic to the fact that transport plays a vital role in the district of the west end. It rules out on the possibilities that the transport network, in particular to the tube will ever become a 24-hour basis, hence, ownership of London Underground.
The late night economy concept is very unlikely to be diminished, in comparison to other economies that are in London. Therefore, the importance in sustaining a “world-class city”, as the mayor ken Livingston suggests, the government needs to manage the growing trend. In particular at his administration level, and work together with other local agencies.
The concept of 24-hour city in London is more of a misnomer and of an 18-20 hour economy.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bomley, R; Thomas, C; Millie, A 2000, ‘Exploring safety concerns in the night-time city: revitalizing the evening economy’, Town Planning Review 71 (1), PP71-96
Chatterton, Paul & Hollands, Robert, 2002 ‘Theorising Urban Playscapes: Producing, Regulating and Consuming Youthful Nightlife City spaces’ Urban Studies 39 (1).
Davidson, R; and Maitland; R (1997) Tourism Destinations. Hodder and Stoughton, London
Douglas, N; Douglas, N; Derrett, R; (2001) Special interest tourism. John Wiley & Sons. Milton
Kennedy, C; and O’Connor (1997) Winning major bids: The critical Success factors. Policy publications. University of Luton
Law, C.M (2002) Urban Tourism: The visitor economy and the growth of Large cities. 2nd ed, Continuum, London.
Local Government Association, (2002) “All day and all night” LGA, London
Local Government Association, 2003, ‘Nighttime – the right time?’ LGA, London
Lovatt, Andy & O’Connor, Justin, 1995, ‘cities and the Night-time economy’ Planning Practice and Research 10 (2), May.
Town Centres Ltd, West End Entertainment Impact Study, Report for Westminster City Council, October 2001
Urban and Economic Development Group, Late night London: Planning and managing the late night economy, Report for Greater London Authority, June 2002.
INTERNET REFERENCES
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