From October 2nd to 4th, Nicosia hosted the fourth Transnational Meeting of the URBACT Cities After Dark network, focusing on the creation of new business activities and services during night-time hours. The meeting gathered urban planners, policymakers, and representatives from several European cities to discuss how cities can leverage their night-time economy for innovation and sustainable growth. The sessions highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities that arise after dark, and how local communities can foster vibrant, safe, and economically resilient environments.
The meeting inclued a visit to the CYENS Centre of Excellence, a cutting-edge research and innovation hub specializing in Interactive Media, Smart Systems, and Emerging Technologies. CYENS, a leader in immersive technologies, plays a vital role in driving knowledge and technology transfer in Cyprus, providing a fertile ground for new business opportunities that can thrive in the night-time economy.
Participants also embarked on a walking tour of Nicosia’s city center, examining first-hand the challenges faced by central streets, such as Ledra Street and the areas around the buffer zone. This visit offered valuable insights into how urban spaces can be reimagined to foster business creation, enhance mobility, and support night-time activities.
During the working sessions, partners discussed how to integrate business and service creation into their Integrated Action Plans (IAPs) and night-time policies. Collaborative groups explored strategies to encourage entrepreneurship, reviewed business activities, and peer-reviewed IAP drafts, keeping in mind the core pillars of the Cities After Dark initiative.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for each partner city to present updates on the co-production of their IAPs, followed by breakout groups where participants shared challenges and evaluated progress. These exchanges proved essential in refining strategies for urban regeneration after dark.
The INSPIRE Festival on Makariou Avenue was the highlight of the meeting’s public engagement. As part of this vibrant festival, partners participated in a panel discussion on night-time economy and entrepreneurship, as well as a podcast recording focused on the creation of sustainable night-time business environments. These public events helped to bring the Cities After Dark vision to a broader audience, fostering dialogue around the future of urban development and economic empowerment during the night.
The Cities After Dark project, part of the European URBACT program, aims to empower cities to develop innovative policies that harness the potential of the night-time economy. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and creative urban planning, this meeting in Nicosia marked an important step toward building dynamic, inclusive, and economically sustainable night-time environments across Europe.
