Sydney to receive six new Special Entertainment Precincts following success at Enmore Road
Image: NSW Department of Planning
by ASPEN ABNER
Following the success of Sydney’s first Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) at Enmore Road, Inner West Council is expanding to six new areas where live music and performance can flourish.
“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.
The new SEPs are located in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Marrickville North, Marrickville Town Centre, and Rozelle.
Enmore Road was announced as a SEP in June following a successful two-year trial.
Darling Street in Balmain was earmarked to become Sydney’s second in March this year.
SEPs will serve as designated areas within the Inner West where live music, performances, and diverse cultural activities can flourish.
The SEP allows relaxed policies regarding live music venues, restaurants or bars. The policy allows for an additional hour of operation, later outdoor dining opportunities and businesses to host smaller-sized events without prior council approval.
Venues in SEPs are also protected from unreasonable noise complaints with council providing a noise management plan.
Byrne has said that the council “is committed to creative spaces and is giving creatives more access to more venues”.
He explained that allowing later trading is a proven incentive for bars, restaurants and pubs, and “adds to the vibrancy of the local community.”
“Allowing live music and performances in all main street shops 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.”
“It’s a win for artists, local businesses and the community,” Byrne continued.
The community has demonstrated a high level of support for the new precincts. 5 out of the 6 areas received at least 70 per cent in support. Dulwich Hill and Marrickville received over 80 per cent support.
The hope is that the added vibrancy and nightlife of these neighbourhoods will tackle the “ghost town” reputation. This is evidenced by the first SEP project, Enmore. This trendy area is now dubbed as the coolest street and neighbourhood by TimeOut Magazine.
Deputy Mayor, Chloe Smith said, “Enmore Road is proof that Special Entertainment Precincts are helping to revive our night-time economy and live music scene.”
Minister for Music and Night-time Economy, John Graham previously said Enmore Road’s success “proves Sydney can have both a safe and a vibrant nightlife, catering for a wide range of ages, tastes and budgets.”
