An action plan will boost Ghent’s nightlife after corona

The Flemish city has even employed a nightlife coach

Since the coronavirus pandemic enforced weeks-long lockdowns in Europe, we got used to hearing about the negative effects on culture, retail, catering establishments, etc. Nightlife, which did not provoke so much public concern, has suffered no less serious consequences, however.

For Ghent, a Flemish city of 260 000 inhabitants, with an active student community, restoring nightlife to its former glory is absolutely essential. That is why, for the past couple of weeks the local authorities have been joining forces with representatives of the sector to make Ghent's nightlife even more vibrant after the corona crisis.

New issues call for new institutions

A couple of days ago, the City of Ghent, together with the entertainment sector, announced that they have prepared an action plan aimed to make Ghent a preferred place for quality nightlife, a place which is also safe, sustainable and inclusive. A Nightlife Coach and a Nightlife Council will play main roles in the process.

This advisory council will be meeting four times a year with representatives of the sector and independent experts on the nightlife economy, liveability, drug use, inclusivity and ecology.

The action plan also states that the current nightlife spots in the city will be retained and that a framework will be created to explore experimental ideas. The plan also stipulates actions in the short term.

For example, the city website will provide more information for both starting and experienced entrepreneurs about regulations, subsidies and permits and insurance applications. In consultation with the Nightlife Coach, the sector will also annually appoint buddies to assist start-ups.

Finally, by spring 2021, an agency will also be appointed to conduct extensive research into the economic impact, employment, image and growth potential of Ghent's nightlife. The citizens will also be consulted at some point.

Bart Meyskens, who was appointed as the first Nightlife Coach in Ghent in September, will also be a member of the Nightlife Council. With more than 25 years of experience, Bart is a familiar face on the international party scene.

“I see myself as the bridge between the sector and the city. I want to align all visions, from Gentenaars, entrepreneurs and city services to partygoers, café-goers and visitors. I am eagerly looking forward to the renaissance of the nightlife and the impact after the restart,” he said on the occasion.

“We want to establish a constant, open dialogue with all parties involved in the Nightlife Council and give both the sector and the experts an advisory role. We want to show that we think nightlife is important. Its creative and economic value can hardly be underestimated in Ghent,” added Sofie Bracke, Alderman for Economy.