Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus awarded Purple Flag accreditation

Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) recently announced that the Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus area has once again been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy (ENTE), remaining the longest serving Purple Flag area in the world.

This prestigious award recognises the area’s blend of entertainment, dining, culture and commitment to achieving Net Zero.

Purple Flag is an accreditation similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town and city centres that meet or surpass standards of excellence in managing the ENTE.

An internationally recognised accreditation organised by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flag awards areas which provide a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, whilst also promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.

Town and City centres achieving a Purple Flag are those that are safe, diverse, vibrant, appealing, well-managed and offer a positive experience to consumers. It is the only UK scheme focused on the ENTE that uses a holistic approach, assessing both the negative impacts that need to be addressed and the potential for economic growth, increased conviviality and community enhancement.

The benefits for an area with Purple Flag accreditation include a raised profile and public image, increased consumer footfall and expenditure, lower crime levels and anti-social behaviour, more successful mixed use economy, regeneration and development, and positive perceptions of the area.

The accreditation was achieved through support from HOLBA partners Veolia, Safer Business Network, My Local Bobby, Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council.

Sources: HOLBA, National Business Crime Centre