Community life after dark: Inclusive spaces in the night time city

What does belonging look like after dark - and who gets to experience it?

This panel explores how social infrastructure can reshape the night time city as a place of connection, inclusion and possibility. Drawing on experiences from Waterloo & South Bank and beyond, we’ll discuss how community spaces, programming and design can foster inclusion and community life at night. From extended hours, affordable and diverse uses, to the role of anchor institutions, speakers will examine what truly makes an inclusive night time economy and what lessons we can learn from elsewhere. 

The panel will bring together night‑time economy experts and local providers, including representatives from the GLA, the Bartlett School of Architecture, urban design practice Publica and social enterprise Coin Street, offering perspectives that span research, policy, design and community programming.

Join us to rethink the night as a space for social connection and belonging.

Panel speakers:

Natalie Bell – Coin Street
Head of Youth and Community Programmes

Ben Campkin – UCL
Vice-Dean Public and City Engagement/Night-Time Urbanism

Daniel Blythe – Publica
Senior Researcher