Plans unveiled to make Sydney the ‘night-life capital of the world’

Sydneysiders have been moaning about the city’s night-life for years but that could all be about to change thanks to a major new plan.

Sydneysiders have been moaning about the city’s night-life for years, and with increasingly good reason.

First it was the lockout laws which turned parts of the city into an internationally embarrassing ghost town, now the COVID pandemic is snuffing out any semblance of vibrancy the city had left.

However, that could all be about to change thanks to a major new plan to revive the city’s night-time economy — the state government’s the long-awaited 24-Hour Economy Strategy which has been unveiled today.

Backers say it will transform Sydney into a 24-hour city that will become “night-life capital of the world”.

A raging Saturday night in the Harbour City. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It’s a huge call and one that will be met with some scepticism, given the plan comes from same government that willingly destroyed the city’s night-life in the first place.

WHAT’S IN THE PLANS?

Under the plans, the city would have more accessible late night transport, longer opening hours and fewer restrictions on live music and performances.

A co-ordinated strategy will result in a citywide map of night-time hot spots which will identify areas that are thriving, those that need to be given a revamp and any new areas that are beginning to emerge.

The strategy also includes new plans to:

• Establish a 24-hour co-ordinator to manage the 24-hour economy

• Create a ‘neon grid’ of interconnected entertainment and cultural precincts across Sydney. This will create a map the city’s 24-hour hubs and aim to improve efficiency of planning and encourage citywide approach to developing Sydney’s 24-hour economy

A “neon grid” will be set up to map the city’s 24-hour hubs.

• Reduce red tape for live performances and outdoor dining

• Expand night-time activities in public spaces

• Develop a mobility plan to make it easier to travel between 24-hour economy hubs

• Extend opening hours for cultural institutions and retail

• Re-establish Sydney’s positive image as a vibrant global night-time destination

Recommendations also include a pilot program to transform some footpaths and roadside parking spots into outdoor dining areas, art installations or mini-parks, while encouraging more lighting of buildings and recreational zones.

‘THIS IS HOW WE BOUNCE BACK’

It’s not just the lockout laws which have wreaked havoc on Sydney’s night-life and it’s hoped the new plan will help the city bounce back from the COVID pandemic.

The Committee for Sydney, part of an Industry Advisory Group that has worked with NSW Government to develop the strategy, says a number of its recommendations were taken on board.

Its CEO Gabriel Metcalf said that the strategy would help support many night-time sectors decimated by the pandemic.

“We know that bars, restaurants, retailers and cultural institutions have been hit hard in 2020. This strategy is part of how we help them bounce back,” he said.

“It is one of the most detailed and comprehensive night-life plans ever compiled for a city and a blueprint to regenerate Sydney’s 24-hour economy as the city recovers from COVID.”

Sydney’s night-life has been suffering for years.

“Sydney is one of the most liveable cities in the world. It is now time for us to become a 24-hour city. While our night-time offer is great in many places, we should aspire to much more.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the plan would make Sydney the best place to live and work as well as setting the State up for dynamic recovery following COVID-19.

“There is no denying Sydney is one of the best cities in the world, but we need to continue to do everything we can to ensure the jewel in our crown continues to shine both day and night,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This strategy aims to drive investment, create jobs and attract more businesses to the CBD and surrounding suburbs, laying the groundwork for our State’s economic recovery so we can keep more businesses in business and people in jobs.”

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