Night-time and strategies for regeneration in two medium-sized town centres

This paper examines the regeneration proposals for two town centres in medium-sized towns in the north of England through the lens of urban design and nocturnal activities. Drawing from the field of night studies, it questions whether the hours of darkness have been included in the proposals and compares the extent to which findings and practical guidance from this emergent cross-disciplinary area of interest have been interpreted and incorporated. The paper argues that towns would benefit from addressing the specific characters and qualities of night time activities, including nightlife, in their policies and masterplans for revitalizing town centres.