City of Sydney: Special entertainment precinct proposals to boost CBD night-life, music

A series of late-night entertainment precincts have been earmarked for the Sydney CBD in an effort to boost nightlife and the music scene in “vital” proposals.

The proposals could see special entertainment precicnts across the Sydney CBD, to boost the night-time economy. Picture: Damian Shaw

Longer trading hours, reduced noise restrictions and loosened liquor laws could be set to give Sydney’s nightlife trading a shot in the arm under “vital” new proposals.

City of Sydney on Monday voted to investigate establishing special entertainment precincts to continue the CBD’s re-emergence as a night-time hub.

The motion was voted through with amendments noting the city’s own ongoing late-night plans, which Lord Mayor Clover Moore said were “ahead” of entertainment precincts.

High-profile restaurateur Luke Mangan, who runs two CBD venues, welcomed the move.

“Protecting and promoting venues with the establishment of special precincts throughout our CBD is the kind of innovative approach that could achieve meaningful change,” Mr Mangan said.

The special entertainment precincts are designed to boost nightlife, and protect and promote venues with extended trading hours and less sound restrictions.

Extended outdoor drinking and dining would be allowed in the precincts. Picture: Monique Harmer

Business NSW executive director David Harding said the “devil was in the detail” once any precinct was properly implemented, but he was “pretty bullish” about the CBD’s future.

“Anything that makes our streets more safe and active is great,” he said. “The CBD has come roaring back from Covid – it’s different, but better.”

Councillor Linda Scott, who tabled the motion, said a year-round precinct would help the city “thrive”.

Chef Luke Mangan welcomed any move to boost the city’s nightlife. Picture: Richard Walker

Business NSW executive director David Harding. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve waited many years for legislation that would allow these areas and a year-round precinct is vital to CBD revival,” Ms Scott said.

Mooted areas included George St – around Metro Theatre – an area around Kent, Clarence, and York streets, or Darlinghurst Rd.

Events like Vivid, Ms Scott said, boosted the city – although a permanent fixture would aid the night-time economy.

“We know things like Vivid have been fantastic, but we need something year-round,” Ms Scott said.

Councillor Linda Scott (centre) tabled the precincts motion. Picture: Christian Gilles

At Monday’s meeting, councillor HY William Chan’s amended proposals were voted through, which noted council’s own planned late-night management areas.

“The City of Sydney is leading the way,” Mr Chan said, citing council’s 24-hour areas and its purple flag night-life districts.

Lord Mayor Moore voted for Mr Chan’s amended proposal but lauded council’s own planned late-night management areas.

“I was with now-Minister John Graham at a lot of the city’s late-night events, I think his proposals are great but I believe we’re ahead,” the mayor said.

“I think we continue with our progress.”

Amplified music restrictions under the liquor act wouldn’t apply to venues in a precinct and council would take carriage of complaints rather than Liquor and Gaming. Councils would also be able to adopt their own plans to support hospitality, including later closing hours, extended outdoor drinking and dining, and even new buildings fitted with better sound proofing.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said council’s upcoming late-night plans achieved the same outcomes. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

John Graham (left) welcomed the proposals. Picture: David Swift

NSW’s 24-hour economy commissioner Michael Rodrigues said he was “encouraged” by the move but it was best used as one of many citywide initiatives.

“It’s up to councils to decide how to use them... we’re doing a whole host of things to boost the night-time economy, including removing red tape and helping make areas more vibrant without compromising public safety,” he said.

The move, which is still in the early stages, was welcomed across industry and government.

“These initiatives will encourage more live music and entertainment across the city, and provide support to operators who successfully and safely run entertainment venues,” Merivale’s head of music and entertainment Nick van Tiel said, calling it a “fantastic step forward”.

NSW Night-time Economy Minister John Graham applauded the move.

“The precinct at Enmore Rd has been a real success, and whenever I talk to patrons and businesses that’s what they tell me... as a government we are willing to keep making improvements and we’re keen to roll them out across the state,” the minister said.

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