Parramatta receives coveted Purple Flag for its night-life precinct

London, Stockholm and Dublin are all internationally recognised party precincts — now one Western Sydney suburb has joined them.

London, Stockholm and Dublin are all internationally recognised party capitals — and now Parramatta has been crowned the newest “Purple Flag” night-life precinct.

Joining the York, Clarence and Kent St precinct known as YCK Laneways in Sydney’s CBD, Parramatta has been officially accredited with a Purple Flag, meaning the area is internationally recognised as a safe night-life hub.

Just as the red and yellow flags at the beach show the safest place to swim, the Purple Flags show visitors the safest place to party.

After a pilot process the area was found to meet the high standards of the Association of Town and City Management, joining 90 cities across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Milky Lane bartender Christine Isho said the accreditation cements the city’s status as Western Sydney’s night-life hub.

Christine Isho bartends at Milky Lane Parramatta. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I feel it’s more alive at night-time these days, there’s a lot more people coming through the door and at later times, especially at the weekend it’s a little livelier,” Ms Isho said.

“There’s a lot more things opening up, more restaurants and bars, so there’s more to offer since Covid.”

Sydney’s night-life has sprung back after the pandemic. Picture: Damian Shaw

Ms Isho said herself and other Parramatta locals no longer needed to travel into Sydney’s CBD to enjoy a vibrant night-life.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said the accredited area covered 80 venues.

“It’s great to see the first Purple Flag being awarded in Western Sydney, and Parramatta’s lively restaurant, bar and arts and culture scene is a deserving recipient,” Mr Graham said.

“To achieve a Purple Flag, areas must meet a high standard of excellence in managing its night-time offering, its access to public transport, adequate street lighting and security.

“We’re looking forward to the ongoing expansion of the Purple Flag program across Greater Sydney.”

The precinct includes the Riverside Theatre, CommBank Stadium, food and beverage venues around Church St, retail and dining at Westfield, and surrounding businesses.

The area’s safe and easy access to public transport was part of the accreditation assessment, with the Parramatta Light Rail set to open next year after construction plagued Church St businesses.

“I congratulate all involved in achieving this Purple Flag, which makes it known far and wide that Parramatta is a hugely appealing destination for locals, residents all across Sydney and visitors,” NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said.

The pilot program will continue in two other areas.

With Lakemba’s night markets and Marrickville’s array of restaurants and breweries, the NSW government’s hopes a pilot this year will result in more Purple Flags for these areas.

The core attributes of a Purple Flag precinct include effective policing, effective regulation of liquor licensing, safe pedestrian routes, crowd management, attractive streets and a sense of community identity.

Originally published as Parramatta receives coveted Purple Flag for its night-life precinct