A nightlife revival is on Sydney City Council’s mind as it eyes creating 20-plus late dining, live music and drinking precincts.
And it is seeking public feedback on its plans.
Council says about 5000 businesses should benefit from their proposal which is open for public comment until November 26.
The plan will expand the nightlife across the council area instead of confining it to a narrow area and access state incentives such as longer trading hours and liquor licence fee discounts.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore says local communities could play a vital role in shaping the future of Sydney’s nightlife.
“Special entertainment precincts are about supporting the live music, cultural and hospitality venues that make Sydney a global city while ensuring residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life,” she claims.
“We’ve already heard initial views from residents, businesses, venue operators and performers; now we’re encouraging everyone to let us know what they think about our detailed plans.”
The proposal includes precinct-specific measures, trading hours and sound controls designed to provide greater certainty for businesses, residents and visitors.
NIGHTLIFE REVIVAL PRECINCTS
Expected to benefit from the plan are the City’s existing late night trading areas:
- Central Sydney (Central train station to The Rocks, including Haymarket, YCK and the Ivy precinct on George Street).
- Oxford St precinct (including Crown and Bourke streets).
- Surry Hills (along Crown and Elizabeth streets).
- Kings Cross, Macleay, William and Stanley streets.
- Newtown and Erskineville Road.
- Redfern St, Botany Road and South Eveleigh.
- Green Square, north Alexandria and Danks St.
- Central Park, Broadway and Glebe Point Rd.
The proposal also plans to expand some existing nightlife precincts and add new ones. These would involve a new area along Harris St in Ultimo (including Powerhouse Museum), larger precincts along Meagher and Shepherd streets in Chippendale, and a larger Oxford St precinct that takes in The National Art School and Qtopia.
Council says the following areas would be upgraded to a later tier, unlocking later trading hours:
- Walsh Bay arts precinct, wharves 3 and 4;
- several streets around the Mercantile Hotel in The Rocks;
- part of Oxford Street east of Taylor Square;
- Regent Street, Botany Road and parts of Redfern Street;
- The Hollywood Quarter around Campbell, Foster and Commonwealth streets in Surry Hills.
Council is also proposing customised sound rules after testing acoustics in and around venues.
Sound levels permitted would depend on the time of day and be tailored to specific streets or areas and match or be higher than what current rules allow.
The plans are open for public comment from October 15 to November 26.
Following the feedback period, the proposal will go back to Council for final endorsement.
For more information and to make a submission, visit Sydney Your Say.
