Manly and Cronulla to be transformed into new night-time hotspots

The golden age of Sydney’s nightlife could soon return under a plan to revitalise Manly and Cronulla into new Special Entertainment Precincts.

Beachside pubs and bustling surf clubs across the northern beaches and Illawarra were once the hosts to renowned bands like INXS, Midnight Oil and The Angels in the golden age of Sydney’s nightlife.

Those days could soon return under a plan to revitalise Manly and Cronulla into new Special Entertainment Precincts by the NSW Government, with extending trading hours and cuts to red tape, following in the footsteps of Inner West’s Enmore Road precinct in 2023.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the iconic Manly Corso will be future-proofed and transformed into a night-time and cultural zone, while the Cronulla CBD will be revitalised with “a better mix of entertainment options”.

Aerial view of Manly, looking south along The Corso.

Nighttime Economy Minister John Graham said the government was determined to see a “revival” on Sydney’s beaches after years of lockout laws and and overregulation.

“In the 80s and 90s our beachside suburbs were a huge part of the iconic pub rock scene,” he said. “It’s time to bring some of that back, but in a way that meets today’s culture.

“Beautiful beaches and great nightlife don’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

The 24-hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the precincts would “ensure” nightlife offerings for the beachside hubs.

Bar owner, Eric Wolf, at Wolfies, in Manly. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“We often compare Sydney to London or New York when it comes to nightlife,” he said. “Neither of those cities have beaches nor the temperate environment we enjoy.

“It’s great to see Manly and Cronulla, two of our premier city beach destinations, embracing the opportunity afforded to them through the Special Entertainment Precinct model.”

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the entertainment precinct plans would see Manly “flourish as a premier destination for entertainment, dining, and culture”.

Ladislav Wolf, Owner of Wolfies Manly said the new night-life economy hub on the northern beaches would spark plans for a bar at the popular cafe.

“This new law will really help us,” he said, while revealing plans for a Negroni Bar after dark.

Sophie Klem, enjoying a drink, at Chica Bonita, in Manly. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“Right now, the regulation and all the bureaucracy is tough, but these special entertainment precincts will really help us to make the later hours a little bit more successful.

“Sydney is suffering at the moment.”

Mr Wolf said the new plans for the Manly Corso would also provide more opportunties for his staff.

“I’d love to see more people come in, enjoy the food, and take in the atmosphere.”

Sutherland Mayor Jack Boyd welcomed the move, adding there was already “a real desire for people looking to spend their entertainment dollars locally and enjoy a night out, see some great live music, or enjoy a drink with friends after heading out for a meal while staying in the Sutherland Shire”.

He said the Special Entertainment Precincts have been earmarked for Burwood, Fairfield, Hornsby, the Inner West, the Sydney CBD and Byron Bay, while 14 other councils across the state have expressed interest.

Originally published as Manly and Cronulla to be transformed into new night-time hotspots