Unlocking the Value of-24-Hours Cities 2025

Emerging opportunities2 As cities rethink how they function and for whom, the night offers more than untapped time: it offers a platform to reimagine economic development, social inclusion and climate resilience. Economic revitalization beyond the day: A business imperative The 24-hour economy is a strategic growth engine. Once anchored by daytime knowledge work, central business districts are now facing structural vacancy and reduced foot traffic. However, this disruption has also created new possibilities. With shifts towards hybrid work and dispersed activity patterns, demand is growing for hyperlocal, flexible and mixed-use spaces that operate outside the traditional nine-to-five framework.15 For businesses, this decentralization creates opportunities to reach new markets, serve more diverse communities, and pilot flexible service models closer to where people live. For cities, it allows for more distributed governance, easing pressure on core districts while enabling more equitable investment in underserved neighbourhoods. Night-time economic activity is becoming more diverse and dynamic. Alongside traditional sectors like late-night venues, hospitality and street markets, new patterns of activity are emerging: logistics hubs and delivery platforms, after-hours co-working spaces, wellness studios and cultural venues experimenting with extended hours that sometimes stretch into the morning. This blending of familiar and innovative uses is reshaping demand for infrastructure that is not only safe and well-lit, but also flexible and responsive to evolving needs. As services and experiences stretch across the 24 hours, there is growing interest in operational models that optimize resource use, enhance accessibility and align staffing, pricing and logistics with real-time demand. These shifts reflect a broader move towards more adaptive, data- informed and inclusive urban economies. CASE STUDY 3 Shanghai: A pioneer in night-time innovation As China’s most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai has strategically positioned the night economy as a critical component of urban vitality and economic growth. In 2019, the city introduced a dual governance model with district deputy mayors acting as “Night Mayors” and industry experts appointed as “Nightlife CEOs.” Shanghai has also piloted regulatory innovations to allow outdoor dining in designated bar streets, as well as other formats such as seasonal night markets, immersive theatre and night tours along the Huangpu River. The city is committed to promoting night-time accessibility by adding night parking spaces, taxi waiting points and night bus routes in areas surrounding nightlife clusters. All in all, Shanghai’s integrated vision positions the night-time economy not just as a time for spending, but also as a space for culture, community and innovation. Source: Tsinghua University.16 7 Unlocking the Potential of 24-Hour Economies