The borough of Richmond Upon Thames could be transformed with a new concert venue, street art, later opening times for businesses and attractions like a community piano.

Richmond Council is set to adopt its first night-time strategy to improve the borough for residents, visitors and workers.

The strategy sets out ways to transform Richmond between 6pm and 6am, with a particular focus on improving conditions for night workers, public transport and safety.

It also puts forward proposals to build on the borough's musical heritage, support later opening times and offer affordable evening activities and events to meet everyone's needs.

The council's Policy Committee has been asked by officers to approve the final version of the night-time strategy on 20 January, which was put together after consultation with residents and businesses.

The strategy reads: "The way we use the night-time in Richmond is changing due to a range of factors – from the high cost of living and fears around safety, to a reduction in alcohol consumption and the rise in online shopping.

"We need to learn how to adapt to ensure the environment and services provided at night are what people want and need, taking steps towards improving safety so that everyone feels safe using them.

"In a challenging and uncertain economic environment where support for the high streets and town centres is more important than ever, it is essential that the council endeavours to balance the needs of all users of public spaces at night whilst ensuring our business and local centres remain vibrant."

The strategy recommends increasing police presence in crime hotspots, offering bystander and self-defence training and providing free USB charging points in town centres to improve safety.

It suggests introducing a late-opening youth space, mapping out all free outdoor spaces and installing cheap attractions like a community piano and ping pong tables.

The document outlines plans to use green spaces for evening activities like sports classes and an outdoor cinema, consider pedestrianising more streets, revamp 'intimidating alleyways' and install a street art wall for young people.

It proposes introducing accessible toilets which stay open at night, extra seating and more seasonal and night markets.

Richmond's musical heritage also features in the strategy as the borough is home to Eel Pie Island, where The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, The Who and Pink Floyd found their first regular audiences.

The council wants to brand the borough an 'exciting music destination' by supporting the opening of a new medium-sized concert venue, holding cultural events at night and encouraging more performances in existing venues.

Working with businesses to introduce evening deals and shopping events is another recommendation in the strategy, along with helping venues to experiment with later opening times.

It also suggests improving public transport by reviewing night bus and train services and making isolated transport hubs feel safer with art, lighting, charging points and Wi-Fi.

Lib Dem councillor Phil Giesler said in the report the strategy aims to make Richmond "a more welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and visit between 6pm and 6am".

 He said: "From families, disabled people, young and old members of the community, we want there to be something to do for everyone at night, including affordable and healthy ventures evolving the high streets as their purpose changes in modern times.

" I am excited to use this groundbreaking work to inspire the creation of a more engaging night-time experience for all."

If the committee approves the strategy, the council will put together an action plan and work with partners including the Met Police, Transport for London (TfL), businesses and community groups to take the recommendations forward.

It will also consider the strategy when making planning, highways, safety and licensing decisions.