Cherry Bar owner James Young tapped for Melbourne ‘night mayor’ gig

Melbourne’s night-time economy has taken a huge hit due to the pandemic but a new “night mayor” wants to get the city pumping.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Chairman of the Night candidate James Young at The Capitol. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Melbourne is set to appoint a “night mayor”, but it’s not any sort of challenge to Lord Mayor Sally Capp.

No, the role is part of a Melbourne City Council plan to reinvigorate the inner city’s night-time economy, which has taken a battering due to pandemic shutdowns.

Prominent entertainment industry figure and Cherry Bar owner James Young has been nominated for the gig, with his official title being Chairman of the Night.

But similar posts in the US and Europe are often called night mayor or night tsar.

Mr Young, who will lead a new night-time economic advisory committee, said he was excited and honoured by the prospect.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Chairman of the Night candidate James Young at The Capitol. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

“Obviously, the Lord Mayor is flat chat, and to be a bit cheeky, looking after potholes and permits and parking, and all these meetings — that’s a full-time job,” he said.

“It makes perfect sense for any forward thinking city in the world to recognise that they need a Lord Mayor and a night mayor.”

“Melbourne’s nightlife is on its knees at the moment, and it’s the perfect time for a night mayor to step into this role with the support of the City of Melbourne.”

If approved at a council meeting on Tuesday, the advisory committee will go ahead with short-listed members including Circus Oz executive director Penny Miles, former White Night Melbourne CEO Andrew Walsh and Epocha and Elyros restaurant owner Angie Giannakodakis.

Crowds at Treasury Gardens for White Night. Picture: Jason Edwards

Ms Capp said Melbourne’s vibrant and diverse night-life was part of the city’s DNA.

“With night-time pedestrian activity still at 50 to 60 per cent lower than pre-COVID-19 levels, we need to pull out all stops to protect and revitalise our night-time economy,” she said.

“Issues to be considered by the committee include city safety and creating diverse night-time offers and activities to reflect Melbourne being a 24-hour city.”

Council’s city activation portfolio lead Roshena Campbell said the municipality’s night-time economy grew by $310.3 million in 2018, contributing $3.5 billion in annual turnover and supporting 31,000 jobs, but the sector had been hit hard.

“The best ideas and solutions will come from strong collaboration between all levels of government, and the industry leaders who run our restaurants, bars, major events, cinemas, performances,” she said.

Crowds watch White Night performances at Birrarung Marr. Picture: Jason Edwards

“They have first-hand knowledge of what is needed to sustain and grow our renowned night-time attractions.”

The committee will also include academic advisers Nicole Kalms, founding director of Monash University’s XYX Lab, and Melbourne University director of Connected Cities Lab Professor Michele Acuto.

Mr Young ran on the Team Capp ticket at last year’s council election, but was not elected.

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