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Sydney City Council reveals plans to revive Sydney’s nightlife

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Sydney City Council reveals plans to revive Sydney’s nightlife

Sydney nightlife could be revived as part of a plan to transform the central business district into a 24-hour entertainment hub.

A report outlining a proposed “dedicated entertainment precinct” for Sydney’s CBD says most bars, clubs and restaurants will be able to stay open until 3am if the City of Sydney votes to make changes next week.

Entertainment centers are part of New reforms to Sydney’s nightlife proposed by the NSW Government to support live music and increased trade in the CBD without the need for additional licenses or bureaucratic red tape.
Report outlining the proposed "Special entertainment area" The Sydney CBD said most bars, clubs and restaurants will be able to stay open until 3am.
A report outlining a proposed ‘Dedicated Entertainment Precinct’ for Sydney’s CBD shows most bars, clubs and restaurants will be able to stay open until 3am. (Sydney City Council)

Sydney officials have said proposed changes mean a Haymarket bar could stay open until 2am and even 4am if it provides entertainment.

On Broadway, the bar can stay open until 1am or even 3am with live music.

On King Street in Newtown, the bar could stay open until 11pm or even 1am with live music.

Currently, most bars in Sydney’s CBD are forced to close between 11pm and midnight.

As part of the reform, sites can also apply to open 24 hours a day, but this will require separate development application approval.

Noise complaints will still be able to be made, however designated areas will be allowed a certain yet-to-be-determined noise level that will be trialled and tested over an 18-month period.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has backed proposed plans to extend trading hours.

“We all need a nightlife we ​​can be proud of and that our global city deserves, so we must do more to support this important sector,” Moore said.

“That is why we have committed to introducing special signage for entertainment areas throughout the city.

“Dedicated entertainment venues build on our extended opening hours and incentives for live entertainment by introducing sound controls that provide venue confidence and lower licensing fees.”

Sydney Darling Harbor New South Wales Australia blue hour beautiful colors of neon lights
Darling Harbor in Sydney. The new plan will allow bars and other establishments to trade later than they are currently allowed. (Getty)

She said any changes would be made in consultation with the community and subject to a two-year trial period.

The mayor also approved 24-hour subway service in support of reforms.

“I would also like to see the state government offer improved night-time public transport, including a 24-hour subway,” Moore said.

“Not only will this help people get around the city and enjoy all it has to offer, but it will also help hospitality workers, many of whom are young women, feel more comfortable working late shifts and getting home safely.”

The plan will also allow retail stores to remain open 24 hours a day.