Image: Darling Street in Balmain/Rozelle. Image: TimeOut
by HOPE PRATT
In a bid to rejuvenate the Inner West, the local council has proposed four new Special Entertainment Precincts, which would see a relaxing of the rules around late trading, live music and outdoor dining.
Following the success of Enmore Road, Council is proposing new precincts in Darling Street Balmain/Rozelle, Marrickville Road in Marrickville and Dulwich Hill, and Norton Street in Leichhardt.
“The Inner West is the beating heart of Sydney’s live music scene and we want to spread the success of what we’ve done in Enmore throughout the Inner West,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.
“Later trading as a reward for hosting gigs is a real incentive for bars, restaurants and pubs and adds to the vibrancy of the local community.”
The Special Entertainment Precinct is a state government policy that allows live music venues, restaurants or bars more favourable trading conditions.
Designed with performing artists and local businesses in mind, the policy allows for an additional hour of trading for venues where live entertainment is hosted, later outdoor dining opportunities and the ability for businesses to host small-scale artistic and cultural events without prior council approval.
Sound will also be managed through the council’s noise management plan, protecting venues from unnecessary complaints.
Councils can access the policy on a voluntary basis. So far, the Inner West Council is the only municipality in Sydney to use the policy.
Precincts aim to create more opportunities for performing artists as well as boosting local businesses.
It is also hoped that they will add to the vibrancy and nightlife of the neighbourhoods, some of which have been recently described as “ghost towns”.
“Legalising performances in bookshops, cafes, and restaurants could increase the availability of affordable spaces for young and emerging artists to perform and develop their craft as well as attracting customers to those businesses,” said the mayor.
“It’s a win for artists, local businesses and the community.”
The council has begun the process of community consultation with local venues, artists, businesses, and community members. Outcomes are expected to be announced over the coming months.
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