Inner West Council plans new special entertainment precincts in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Rozelle, Marrickville

Sydney’s inner west is set to get six new special entertainment precincts as authorities look to remove barriers to a thriving nightlife. See the details here.

A project credited with revitalising a key inner west nightspot is set to expand across the area, with plans for six new special entertainment precincts hailed as a “shot in the arm” that will help more streets “bounce back to life”.

After the state government gave it the green light to proceed with its plan, the Inner West Council announced the new precincts would be in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Rozelle and two areas in Marrickville.

The move follows the success of the state’s first special entertainment precinct, which has reinvigorated Enmore and drawn praised from Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.

“We were the first council in NSW to deliver a special entertainment precinct,” he said.

“Now we are building on that success with six more.”

The Inner West Council will also vote on plans to discuss a joint entertainment precinct with the City of Sydney in Newtown.

The planned precincts are expected to position the area as a top entertainment destination, an aspiration that faced challenges due to the NSW lockout laws which restricted late-night enjoyment of live music.

Cr Byrne said the precincts would incentivise entertainment over gambling.

Mayor Darcy Byrne has hailed the state’s first special entertainment precinct as a success.

“This will give a real incentive with an hour later trading for venues that host gigs and artistic activities to rely on the arts rather than the poker machine,” he said.

“For Marrickville Rd, which is already going gangbusters, this will be an extra boost.

“For Darling St, Balmain, and Norton St, Leichhardt, these new precincts can be the shot in the arm they need to bounce back to life.”

Venues within the new precincts would be allowed to trade an extra hour later, in one of several key changes aimed at fostering creativity and supporting local businesses.

The proposal outlines several key changes aimed at fostering creativity and supporting local businesses.

They would also be able to host small live performances without submitting a development application.

Other changes include extending outdoor dining hours until 11pm, streamlining the regulation of noise to a single government agency (Liquor and Gaming NSW), and mandating soundproofing for new developments to protect residents from noise pollution.

“These new special entertainment precincts will build on the success of Enmore Rd and create more opportunities for performers, as well as enhance local businesses and bring even more vibrancy to our neighbourhoods,” Cr Byrne said.

The planning proposal will be on public exhibition for community feedback from February 2025.

The Inner West Council will also discuss opportunities to work with the City of Sydney council on a joint proposal that designates King St, Newtown as an additional special entertainment precinct.

This will be decided at an Inner West Council meeting on December 3.

Community support for the precincts has been overwhelming, with more than 90 per cent of respondents in Dulwich Hill and Marrickville North expressing support during earlier council consultation.

Entertainment precincts are also set to expand throughout other areas of Sydney, with Sutherland Shire Council beginning consultation on its plan to introduce one.

According to early plans put forward to the community for consultation, the precinct zone is being considered between the Kingsway, Esplanade, Cronulla Wharf and Nicholas Parade with the Cronulla Plaza a logical centre.

The City of Sydney is also proposing to roll out 24-hour entertainment precincts across the CBD in a move aimed at creating a city that never sleeps.