By Megan Gorrey
Suburbs in Sydney’s west are on track to have dedicated night-time entertainment precincts as the state government relaxes rules around trading hours, live music and noise complaints.
Burwood Council will create a “special entertainment precinct” covering three blocks around Chinatown Burwood. Fairfield Council will establish two zones along Canley Vale Road, in Canley Vale and Canley Vale Heights.
The special entertainment zone will apply around Burwood’s lively Chinatown.Credit: Steven Siewert
The decision follows the success of the state’s first special entertainment precinct on Enmore Road.
Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said using similar planning rules to those on Enmore Road would transform Burwood and Canley Vale into “our next hubs for vibrant nightlife”.
“The days where it was all about piling into Kings Cross for a boozy night out are over,” he said.
“We are now backing dozens of very different nightlife precincts right across the city and the state. Some will be about bars and nightclubs, others will be about food, art, culture, night markets or retail.”
The state government has produced numerous policies aimed at stimulating the sluggish 24-hour economy after years of lockout laws, COVID lockdowns and cost-of-living pressures.
Burwood Chinatown has become a magnet for diners and revellers, largely due to its concentration of eateries and the popular Chinatown Night Markets. The eat street along Canley Vale Road has also been drawing crowds for its diverse range of restaurants, street art and bars.
Under the special entertainment precinct policy, councils have the option to introduce more favourable trading conditions for live music venues, restaurants and bars within a defined area. The former Coalition government initiated the policy.
Residents and prospective home buyers in such areas will be notified that the council supports later trading hours and higher levels of sound.
Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham says the government is “determined to bring back Sydney’s nightlife block-by-block, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood”.Credit: Steven Siewert
Live music venues typically receive a two-hour trading extension on nights when live music is offered, and one hour on other nights. Councils can also set later default trading hours that supersede the venue’s development consent.
Sound levels are also managed by council noise management plans to provide greater certainty for venues and shield them from unreasonable complaints.
Fairfield and Burwood councils hope to start the trial phase of the scheme by year’s end. Each has received state government funds for strategic planning, acoustic framework development and community consultation.
Chinatown Burwood spokeswoman Iris Chen said the designation would “help elevate the precinct” and create more opportunities for late-night dining, live entertainment and cultural experiences.
Fairfield MP David Saliba said the cultural diversity of the area’s food and entertainment was “second to none”.
“Unlocking our nightlife is just a part of showcasing what we, as a community, have to offer.”
Graham signalled that more precincts would be rolled out in the state, as 15 local councils had expressed an interest in establishing them.
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