Culture and sport

London's role as a world city is supported by a number of internationally important cultural institutions, including museums, galleries and theatres, which are among London's major tourist attractions. Together with their setting, these represent London's Strategic Cultural Areas and should be protected and enhanced.

Designation, development and management of cultural quarters can help address the need for affordable workspace for creative industries, provide flexible live/work space, encourage clusters of activity and provide a trigger for local regeneration.

Cultural facilities such as local theatres, tourist attractions and libraries are vitally important to all London's town centres and central London.

The capital's vibrant night-time economy is a major contributor to London's world city status as well as meeting more local needs. Covent Garden/Soho is particularly important, together with strategic clusters of night time activities in and around central London and in some town centres (Map 3D.2).

The Mayor, the LDA, the boroughs, the government and the British Olympics Association are leading the development of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games focused primarily on east London. The Games will leave a wide legacy including permanent sporting facilities.

New or improved stadia may assist in bringing forward regeneration benefits, including public sports facilities or other community amenities that may be associated with mixed-use schemes.

London needs to develop a wide range of high quality but affordable sports facilities, which are accessible to all sections of the community, including disabled people.

View Culture and sport policies

• 3D.4 Development and promotion of arts and culture
• 3D.5 Casinos
• 3D.6 The Olympic and Paralympic Games and sports facilities