Sydney’s Oxford St: Push for transformation into Special Entertainment Precinct to boost night-life

The once vibrant heart of Sydney’s night-life could soon be revitalised, with momentum gaining to transform Oxford St into a special entertainment precinct in a move to breathe new life into the iconic strip.

The once-vibrant heart of Sydney’s night-life could soon be revitalised, with momentum gaining to transform Oxford St into a special entertainment precinct in a move to breathe new life into the iconic strip.

This precinct initiative, proposed under the State Government’s new vibrancy reforms, is designed to loosen regulations around noise, liquor licenses, and trading hours to help the area regain its former energy.

The push to reclassify Oxford St follows a successful model applied to Enmore Rd, the only fully established special entertainment precinct in the city.

Now, City of Sydney council is considering the proposal which could bring extended trading hours, more flexibility for live performances, and targeted sound management to the area.

The once vibrant centre of Sydney’s night-life could soon be taken off life support and resurrected.

Rainbow Precinct district coordinator, Lorraine Lock. Image credit: Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner

Lorraine Lock from the Rainbow Precinct, which represents the interests of 30 Oxford St businesses, is among those lobbying for the area to be classed as a special entertainment precinct.

“Venues will have a little bit more space to breathe, if you have one vexatious neighbour they won’t be shutting you down,” she said.

This initiative, proposed under the State Government’s new vibrancy reforms, is designed to offer looser regulations. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The push to reclassify Oxford St to a SEP follows a successful model applied to Enmore Rd.

Ms Lock, who is also working to secure globally recognised Purple Flag accreditation, said she believed Oxford St was on the cusp of change.

“A co-worker said to me Oxford St is having a Madonna moment, it’s had more reinventions than Madonna, so hopefully this one will stick,” she said.

The Rainbow Precinct has already received $300,000 in funding from the Uptown District Acceleration Program, which is facilitated by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

Ms Lock is eager to apply for special entertainment precinct status, which would complement efforts under the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy to create more diverse, vibrant destinations, especially for live music and performance.

Deputy Lord Mayor Zann Maxwell hopes to return the precinct to its former glory.

With Sydney’s night-time economy now valued at $102 billion, the Rainbow Precinct and its local businesses are keen to tap into this lucrative market.

Deputy Lord Mayor Zann Maxwell has also called for the ambitious plan, arguing that the precinct has been left behind by poor planning, restrictive regulations, and years of neglect.

“Oxford Street should be one of Sydney’s most vibrant and dynamic destinations, but too often it feels like a precinct in decline,” Maxwell said.

“We need fresh energy, fresh ideas, and fresh imagination to bring it back.

“We know that Special Entertainment Precincts work, Enmore Rd is proof of that. It gives venues the ability to trade later without unnecessary restrictions, cuts through red tape.”

Maxwell also warned that without urgent action, Oxford St was at risk of losing its cultural and economic significance.

“A thriving Oxford Street isn’t just good for the LGBTQ+ community, it’s good for the whole city. It brings people in, supports small businesses, and makes Sydney a more exciting place to live and visit,” he said.