People with an interest in the night time economy of Stoke-on-Trent city centre are being asked to give their views as part of a comprehensive review.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is carrying out the review to examine ways of improving the evening and night time offer, to complement millions of pounds of investment which is rejuvenating the city centre.
The consultation is the chance for residents, visitors, businesses and licensees to give their experiences, and help address issues such as how the council and its partners can support a safe environment and vibrant economy; how people find working or running a business in the city; and what would need to happen to encourage those people that don’t visit the city centre at night to come back.
The review is being carried out by a group of councillors, and will include input from the police and other responsible authorities.
Councillor Matt Wilcox, who chairs the city renewal overview and scrutiny panel on the authority, is leading the review. He said: “The city centre has historically had some of the best events and activities in the evening, but we know that visitor numbers have been dwindling. I estimate that the number of people who visit the city centre at night is around a third of the number 10 years ago. We want that to improve.
“We know that the city centre night time economy supports more than 1,100 jobs, including 37 pubs and clubs, 17 restaurants, 16 takeaways, three live music venues and two theatres.
“The council is committed to improving and investing in the city centre, with a multi-million pound new bus station that will open early next year; new public realm works, creating pedestrianised areas and improving landscaping; the new City Sentral development which will bring in extra shoppers; and the Central Business District which will bring in workers with disposable incomes.
“I urge as many people as possible with a stake in the city centre to come forward and share their views and experiences to help us look at ways to boost the economy and help bring back the buzz and bustle to city centre evenings.”
The review will examine the benefits of the night time economy to the city and city centre, the licensing position in the city centre and the national picture, the reasons for the reduction in visitor numbers to the city centre at night, and ways everyone can support a vibrant and safe night time economy.
People’s views will help to shape the review and the work of the group of councillors. The review will run until early next year.
Views can be given by completing an online form at www.stoke.gov.uk/scrutiny, emailing scrutiny@stoke.gov.uk, calling 01782 232723 or visiting www.facebook.com/sotcitycouncil.
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For all media enquiries please contact Andrew Brunt in the Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232671.
Issued: 30/10/12