Adelaide City Council urged to develop new strategy for Adelaide CBD night-time economy

Friday night drinks have been wrecked by people working from home on Mondays and Fridays – but the council is working to lure people back to Adelaide CBD.

A comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure Adelaide’s night-time economy continues to recover from the pandemic, a new report says.

Latest figures gathered by Adelaide City Council showed spending in the CBD between 6pm and 6am reached $120m in March – levels not seen since early last year.

However, a council report warned much work remained to be done to restore the city’s nocturnal economy, worth an estimated $1bn annually.

Recent market research commissioned by the council had confirmed social habits had changed significantly, largely because of lockdowns, fear of catching Covid and the shift to working from home.

Adelaide City Council is considering a strategy to ensure the CBD economy recovers from the pandemic.

People were increasingly choosing to remain close to their homes in Adelaide’s suburbs, spending less time – and money – in city bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.

The report said before restrictions were eased in March, most of the 432 restaurants and cafes, 176 takeaway outlets and 120 hotels, bars and taverns in the CBD and North Adelaide had suffered financial losses.

“Reasons underpinning a (continuing) decrease in visits to city restaurants include that people are now dining more at home and ordering more food (deliveries) from local restaurants,” it said.

“City employers noted that ‘Friday night drinks’ were not the same, with more people working from home on Mondays and Fridays.”

Vanessa Rech, Maeve Marryat and Chloe Borrelli enjoy a night out in Peel St before the start of the pandemic. Picture: Dean Martin

The report said accessibility to the CBD – especially parking – had been identified as the biggest obstacle to attracting people back into the city.

The report advised “ongoing activation”, meaning street parties, festivals, dining and accommodation vouchers, live music and other events.

“A vibrant night-time economy is important for attracting investment and supporting businesses, festivals and events, as well as visitor, student and residential growth,” the report said.

“Supporting night-life also promotes the city as a destination and ‘magnet city’, increasing its potential visitation and use by residents, workers, visitors and the community.”

Peel Street traders suffered during the pandemic along with other CBD hospitality operators. Picture: Brenton Edwards)

The report suggested “a new vision and strategic response” should be developed for the city’s nighttime economy, rather than appointing a “night mayor” as sought by some elected members.

It recommended councillors examine the Sydney CBD, where trading hours had been changed for a variety of businesses, including 24-hour trading in the city centre and late-night shopping in main streets.

The report also suggested elected members consider a night-time committee similar to one established in Melbourne.

The report will be discussed at a workshop on Tuesday night.