By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
There are plans to develop and capitalise on footfall in Newark’s night-time economy, council papers state.
Newark and Sherwood District Council hopes a new strategy will “support people and business in the process of opening up a vibrant, inclusive and safe evening economy within the district”.
Specialist consultants have been commissioned to provide advice and guidance to develop an Evening and Night Time Economy Strategy for Newark, Southwell, Edwinstowe and Ollerton.
According to recent footfall data in the last three months, between 9 and 10 per cent of Newark’s average daily visitors were present in town between 6pm and 9pm, with 7 per cent to 5 per cent remaining until 1am.
The strategy will “capitalise on and develop the evening footfall in the district’s urban areas”.
Council papers stated: “A plan for the local evening economy includes late night shopping and evening markets, late museum openings and night-time tours, early evening entertainment, a greater use of open spaces, and the promotion of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.
“Opening up the evening economy during this period would provide a greater variety of attractions for these visitors to choose from, which would encourage greater dwell time and visitor spend, as well as prompting more visitors to visit Newark during the evening.
“Similar actions across the four main urban and economic centres of the district – catered towards the specialities of each town – would bring Newark & Sherwood closer towards its ambition of being a lead driver in economic prosperity for the region.”
The plans in place will be discussed during the authority’s Licensing Committee meeting on March 10.
