City welcomes ideas for late night Sydney

The City of Sydney has launched a major consultation initiative which will be central to the development of a policy to boost the city’s night time economy.

The late night Sydney initiative is a coordinated effort to make Sydney more appealing by night for both residents and visitors.

The proposed program encompasses a broad range of measures to be implemented, ranging from longer trading hours for shops and improved public transport, to an increase in cultural events and activities.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said:  “One thing we agree on is we all want Sydney to be a truly global city – one with fun and exciting things for people to see and do after dark while at the same time being safe.”

The consultation phase will kick off with a roundtable meeting with leaders from a number of industries, including liquor and gaming, restaurants, transport, tourism, entertainment and arts as well as representatives from local resident groups. It is expected that a draft discussion paper for the nightlife policy will go before council later this year.

Through the initiative the city also hopes to create new, potentially substantial revenue streams. New York has been heralded as a leading example of a successful night time economy with a 2004 study showing that it had generated up to $10 billion a year and attracted up to 65 million visitors after dusk.

The new policy, which is currently in the drafting phase, will consider the input of wide range of parties and stakeholders. It is seeking to add a diverse range of nightlife options and attract many who would have previously stayed away.

“Having more options creates a safer and more balanced late night economy attracting a wider range of people into the city centre for a range of different activities, not just centered around the consumption of alcohol,” said Ms Moore.

Susie Cleary, Chair of the Coalition of Glebe Groups, sees limitations to the City’s efforts to promote Sydney’s night life.

“Any moves to extend the trading hours of hotels and bars in residential areas can lead to further noise and behavioural problems,” she said.

Convenor of the Pyrmont Action group, Elizabeth Elenius, said measures must be adopted to ensure greater safety for the potentially larger crowds.

“If they pursue projects like late night Sydney, they need to ensure that there is more police patrolling outside the venues to ensure safety.”

Community forums on the matter are being held in Kings Cross and Potts Point, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, the Central City and Pyrmont, Glebe and Newtown and the city south, where residents can join the discussion and contribute ideas.

People can also participate in the consultation process via the online forum: http://sydneyyoursay.com.au/nighteconomy

By Alexander Meyer-Thoene