Sydney lacks ‘fun’ compared to other global cities
Sydney’s night-time economy is a ‘major drag’ on the world’s perception of our city, according to research. See how we rank against other global cities.
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Sydney’s status as one of the world’s most liveable cities is under threat as high costs, a struggling night-life and lack of cultural venues create a “drag” on its reputation.
Compared with 33 other global cities, Sydney rates highly as a place to do business and have a good quality of life, but it is falling behind in other critical areas such as transport and infrastructure, a new report by the Committee For Sydney has found.
The annual report, to be released tomorrow, found Sydney is the second-most admired city in the world but globally it is not seen as being “fun,” ranking just equal 26th on the list.
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A lack of cultural infrastructure such as museums, theatres and music venues are partly to blame, while the Harbour City’s struggling night-time economy is seen internationally as a “drag”.
“The shortcomings and constraints on Sydney’s night-time economy are proving to be a major dampener to Sydney’s reputation among some of its key audiences,” the report said.
“The number of young international visitors to Sydney is growing slower than other demographics.
“And domestic visitors … are rarely coming for the night-life.”
But Sydney remains ranked the second most-admired city in the world and international visits have grown 7 per cent year on year.
Among about a dozen world city “contenders” including Berlin, Madrid and San Francisco, Sydney ranks in the top three for number of international students and new companies.
It is in the bottom three for rent affordability, volume of venture capital investment and congestion.
The salary required to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Sydney is higher than all but four similar English-speaking cities including London and Washington DC.
The report also found Sydney was not a world leader on climate, slipping behind other international cities on sustainability and not preparing effectively for changes such as the threat of high urban heat.
Committee for Sydney chief Gabriel Metcalf said the city was “positioned well” to become one of the great cities if positive progress continued.
“We need to continue the incredible investment being put into our transport infrastructure, we need to put downward pressure on housing costs, and we need to take meaningful action on climate change,” Mr Metcalf said.
Sydney rooftop bar Old Mate’s Place owner Andreas Walters said the lockout laws had stopped Sydney from reaching its full potential as a “fun” international city.
“People want to be able to go and see a show and enjoy the night life until 2am or 3am, but we can’t,” he said.
Sydney-sider Nick Constantine, 22, and his UK friend Laura Babbs, 23, both agreed Sydney’s reputation had suffered in recent years as its night-life declined.
“I get why they brought laws in but it’s not working … all my friends have come to the conclusion that there’s nothing we like doing in Sydney,” Mr Constantine said.
HOW SYDNEY RANKS ON THE GLOBAL SCALE
THE GOOD
■ Global admiration — Sydney is the second most-admired city on the planet, renowned for its beauty, safety, security and leadership
■ Business — The city rates high in freedom and transparency and is seen as great place for business
■ Youth employment — We are eighth out of 100 cities for youth opportunities
■ Quality of living — Sydney ranks sixth out of 33 cities
■ Popularity — We are up 7% for international visitor numbers
THE BAD
■ Fun — Sydney is ranked equal 26th out of 33 cities
■ Public transport — We are 18th out of 24 cities
■ Traffic — Our average peak travel delay has increased by 34%
■ Housing affordability — Sydney is ranked 9th for the most expensive inner-city properties
■ Cultural amenities — Well behind in the number and quality of venues