Hackney at dusk with canal boats, street art and waterside buildings.
Keeping Hackney Thriving After Dark

A vibrant night time economy needs the right balance. We worked with Hackney Council to build the evidence base for a licensing approach that supports businesses, protects communities and responds to the borough's changing needs.

Six Till Six and MAKE Associates were commissioned by the London Borough of Hackney to undertake a cumulative impact assessment of the borough’s licensed areas. The project examined the impact of licensed premises on local communities, public safety and the overall functioning of Hackney’s evening and night time economy.

The assessment drew on extensive data analysis, stakeholder interviews and overnight audits to understand activity on the ground and identify emerging trends. We worked closely with council officers, responsible authorities, businesses and community representatives to ensure the findings reflected both quantitative evidence and local experience.

Our recommendations helped inform the borough’s licensing approach, providing a strong evidence base to support policy decisions while recognising the important contribution of hospitality, culture and entertainment to Hackney’s identity and economy.