The twenty‐four hour city concept—A review of initiatives in British cities

Abstract

At the end of the twentieth century our cities face a multitude of problems both of a spatial and functional nature. One of the key issues to be addressed is the limited time-9 a.m. to 5 p.m.-during which we utilize the facilities and opportunities that the city centre has to offer. The Twenty-four Hour City concept is a relatively recent approach of combining a series of wide-ranging initiatives to tackle this problem by revitalizing and creating safer city centres. The main aim of this approach is to attract a wide range of groups back into the city both to use the services and facilities that it has to offer and as residents.

An introductory review to the Special Issue: Attractive Places to Live

“…This ought to subsequently increase residents' sense of security and reduce feelings of vulnerability in urban areas in the evening. The '24 hour city' concept and cultural strategies have been endorsed to revitalise city centres and create night-time economies in order to make cities safer and to enhance their image (Heath, 1997). However, there are contentions over the 24 hour city concept concerning the type of activity that is available and the subsequent consumers that are attracted to cities at night [see Roberts, 2006].…”

“…For example, the ODPM (2003b) suggest that, in Britain, evening economies centre on young people and alcohol, rather than people of all ages participating in a variety of activities (as in seen in many other European cities). It is therefore essential that a varied clientele is attracted to cities at night by encouraging a wider range of activities than merely bars and nightclubs (Heath, 1997). The differences between creativity, cultural resources and the consumption of alcohol as an entertainment activity must be understood (Roberts, 2006).…”

Deindustrialization, insecurity and demise of night economy: Retrospection on Nigerian underdevelopment

“…It is seen as a veritable avenue for extending the business day (Thomas & Bromley, 2000). In recent years, the political vision of many municipal governments across the world has crystallized around ambitious plans to create the '24-hour city,' an urban core populated by residents, workers and visitors around the clock (see Heath 1997;and Heath and Stickland, 1997;Jones, Hillier & Turner, 1999). Specifically, as part of strategies for enhancing national productivity, 40 percent of Americans reportedly work at night, weekend and rotating shifts.…”

Achieving a Sustainable City Image in Terms of Twenty-Four Hour City Principles: Case of the Kemeralti Bazaar of Izmir, Turkey

“…The main purposes of the concept of Twenty Four Hour City are stimulating the night time economy, attaining a safer city and preventing the deserted city image after dark. It can also be said that this concept was arose as a reaction against the residential areas that developed away from the city centers (Heath, 1997). The night time activity program in the city of Rome, which is one of the successful instances of Twenty Four Hour City concept applications, was defined by Bianchini as the first initiative of its kind.…”

“…Manchester, cafés and restaurants were supported to work in the evening and night time, theatres, cinemas and other activities were increased, and interventions like function changing and providing extra security were done in the areas that contain night clubs and bars (Heath, 1997).…”