Chatswood, Willoughby town centres put forward for late night trading plan

North shore businesses have backed plans to rejuvenate the region’s night-time economy, saying red-tape is currently a major hurdle when seeking to trade after dark.

North shore businesses have backed a council plan to rejuvenate the region’s night-time economy, saying red-tape is currently a major hurdle when seeking to trade after dark.

Shop owners in town centres across the Willoughby region would be encouraged to extend their opening hours under a draft night-time strategy released by Willoughby Council this week.

The proposal includes making Chatswood the night-time economy hotspot of the north shore with business and creative activities able to operate until 2am.

Chatswood is already a major shopping and dining hub.

Smaller town centres in the council region such as Artarmon and North Willoughby also would have the potential to open until 11pm, under the draft plans.

The strategy includes direct support for businesses to help them extend operating hours along with training on how to cater for night-time crowds.

There are also plans to upgrade public areas with features such as outdoor dining areas, art installations, CCTV, and new street lights with a focus on artistic lighting.

More events would be hosted in periods of extending trading hours, the Chatswood Cultural Bites program would be extended across the LGA and the council would investigate new and affordable places for cultural and creative industries and events

The Chatswood CBD is a key focus of the strategy.

Chatswood Chamber of Commerce president Warwick Andison supported the move to a night-time economy, saying current planning restrictions make it challenging for businesses applying to trade beyond standard hours.

“At the moment it’s a very slow process, but the council I think are coming around and realising they have to change their ways and start thinking progressively,” he said.

“We want to grow the night time economy, whether it’s having small bars, entertainment, music, dancing – we need more of it.

Local restaurants would be encouraged to trade later.

“I think there’ll be demand for it – Chatswood and the railway is a hub for the entire region, and there are a lot of young people – and middle aged people for that matter – who want a bit of night time entertainment.

“We wouldn’t have to be the Newtown of the north shore, we need to do our thing and do it stylishly.”

The council said the strategy could provide certainty for businesses to “invest and grow” – particularly after the challenges and impacts of Covid-19.

The plan is partly aimed at boosting visitation to the region.

“The past two years have significantly highlighted the sensitivity of the hospitality sector to impacts on the restriction of trade through government policy and the reluctance of customers at certain times to congregate in venues,” the plan stated.

“The pandemic has emphasised both the impact on business as well as the role that the hospitality sector has in creating places of community connection.

“A strong night time economy and increased activity provides many benefits including bringing the community together in shared activities, increased feelings of safety, a focus on ‘fun’, and more opportunities for economic activity.”

A photo of a past Vivid Chatswood event, which brought crowds into the CBD after dark.

Some businesses are already planning to open their doors into the early hours including Hotel Willoughby which has applied to extend its Monday to Saturday operating hours from 12am to 2am.

The council’s planning panel has recommended supporting the extension at a meeting next week – despite 56 submissions from residents raising concerns over potential impacts such as noise and patron behaviour. 

Venue licensee Lisa Bartlett said allowing more businesses to trade later would meet demand from residents.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in trade – prior to Covid, a lot of local residents would head into the CBD but since Covid there’s a need and a want to stay local,” she said.

Hotel Willoughby is planning to trade later.

“Increased trading also means increased opportunities to hire more people and keep people working.

“If your business or hotel such as ours operates as a safe, secure environment then it can coexist (in residential areas).”

Willoughby councillors will meet next week to consider the strategy. If supported, consultation would open from April before a final decision is made later this year.

Modelling predicts the strategy could boost the number of cultural and creative events in the council area by five per cent each year.

The council said the cultural, food and beverages sectors would be a key focus to maintain and grow night-time visitation.