How do you keep a city vibrant without losing sight of the quality of life of its residents?

This question is increasingly on the radar of cities at home and abroad, including Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp. Commissioned by the City of Ghent, we recently conducted an exploratory preliminary study into the so-called Agent of Change principle: a policy instrument that is increasingly being used internationally to manage tensions between nightlife and residential development.

The reason for this study lies in a recognisable reality. Ghent has a rich nightlife that is historically deeply intertwined with its urban identity: from iconic clubs such as Culture Club and Kompass to vibrant neighbourhoods such as the Vlasmarkt and the Overpoort. Night-time activities generate economic returns, attract young people and act as a cultural engine. At the same time, they are increasingly under pressure. Complaints about noise pollution, strict regulations, rising property prices and changing nightlife patterns make it more difficult to anchor nightlife culture in the city in a sustainable way.

The tension is complex. New city dwellers want to enjoy the vibrant character of Ghent, but also long for peace and quiet. The dynamic nightlife that once defined a neighbourhood’s appeal is later perceived as a nuisance. As a result, clubs and bars disappear or are pushed to the fringes of the city — risking a thinning of both the cultural scene and the urban life.

In this context, we investigated what the Agent of Change principle could mean for Ghent. The essence of this principle is simple: whoever brings about change in an urban environment also bears responsibility for its consequences. In concrete terms, this means that anyone developing a new residential project next to an existing nightclub must take responsibility for adequate noise measures. It is not the club, which has often been there for years, but the developer who is expected to adapt to the existing context. In this way, the principle aims to prevent historical or cultural sites from disappearing under the pressure of urban renewal and complaints procedures. This principle is already being applied internationally in cities such as London, Melbourne, Toronto and Berlin. In Flanders, cities such as Antwerp and Brussels have begun to enshrine it in law. Ghent is also exploring how this instrument could contribute to a thoughtful approach to night-time culture in a changing urban reality.

What emerges from this exploratory study is that the challenges surrounding night-time culture and urban quality of life are not black and white. It is a complex interplay of interests, regulations, culture and space. The Agent of Change principle can be a valuable tool in this regard, provided it is embedded in a broader urban policy that focuses on dialogue and mutual understanding. The City of Ghent is thus taking an important first step in exploring policy instruments that could enable a workable balance between the night-time culture that has characterised Ghent for decades and the quality of life that more and more residents rightly expect.

For cities such as Brussels and Antwerp, where nightlife is also under pressure but is recognised as a policy priority, this research offers starting points for strengthening policy and regulations.

Would you like to know how your city can contribute to a nightlife that enhances both urban dynamism and quality of life? Feel free to contact us.