Randwick night-life: Labor councillor says locals don’t want to live ‘in Surfers Paradise’

A bid to create a lively night economy in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has its detractors with one councillor arguing it would create the “equivalent of Surfers Paradise” in the harbour city.

Bold plans to revitalise Sydney’s eastern suburbs into a lively night economy, filled with music and live entertainment, has its detractors with one local councillor declaring that no one wants to “live in the equivalent of Surfers Paradise”.

A proposed major economic revamp of the Randwick area’s night-life, previously dubbed as becoming the “Newtown of the East”, will be put before the community from Friday.

Katie Kelly and Hana Malafova at Randwick cocktail bar Bat Country. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

The planned makeover takes in much of Sydney’s east, from Clovelly in the north down to La Perouse, including Coogee and Maroubra.

Earlier this week, Randwick City Council passed a motion to place its economic development strategy to public exhibition.

If supported by the community, bars could open later as well as the area delivering more events, live music offerings and busking licences.

Mayor Dylan Parker first outlined his vision last month, revealing he wanted to “snag arts and culture” from elsewhere in Sydney and effectively create a “Newtown of the East” with the bonus of beautiful beaches.

The potential makeover was an exciting concept for Edwin Murillo, who had managed the quirky Randwick bar Bat Country for seven years.

Randwick mayor Dylan Parker. Picture: John Grainger

Mr Murillo said he noticed the lively vibe that food truck and busking trials had brought to the area.

“I noticed there was a little band and a little chair and some flowers out there and people were singing and it sounded a little more alive,” he said.

“We’ve tried to get later finishing times before but they haven’t allowed it. I would definitely like to see people out later, sort of like a Barcelona vibe … and maybe we can get one or two more bars around here.”

Under the proposed economic policy, smaller bars would be allowed to open until 2am instead of midnight (a measure already trialled over the past 18 months), unlicensed businesses would also trade later without requiring development approval and red tape would be cut to allow retail stores to open for performances, shows and public events with alcohol.

According to council documents, the goals include boosting the number of businesses by 20 per cent by 2032, increase spending between 6pm and 6am by 10 per cent and support the creation of 9200 more jobs by 2036.

Council documents state it would work with the state government on its goal of creating a 24-hour economy.

The NSW Government controls liquor licensing but council controls opening hours for businesses, meaning it has the power to allow for later trading hours without businesses requiring approval.

The NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet (DPC)’s 24-Hour economy commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the plan was in line with the state government’s objectives to relax trading hour laws and create more vibrant activities after dark.

But not everyone has expressed excitement at the grand plan.

While Mayor Dylan Parker said the new rules would include “noise attenuation measures” to minimise impact on residents, Labor councillor Kathy Neilson told the council meeting “residents have been totally forgotten” in the policy.

“I don’t think anyone in Randwick wants to live in the equivalent of Surfers Paradise,” she said. “Many residents are rather incensed.”

Ms Neilson’s bid for an amendment to remove the “6pm to 6am” reference in the objective was lost, and the motion to move the strategy to public exhibition passed by a single vote.

“There was an attempt to water down our night-life package that failed, and now the community will have the ability to have their input to encourage more vibrant night-life,” Mayor Parker said.

He rejected the idea residents had been neglected in the plan and encouraged “everyone, young and old, businesses and community groups, to have their say on this essential strategy”.