Night-time economy
Stay out late
Sydney has the largest "night-time economy" and biggest number of visitors in Australia – as well as the country's densest residential and commercial districts. That's why we are developing a policy that will broaden the range of night-time offerings to suit everyone.
The goal is to provide clear direction for Sydney's after-hours economy over the next 20 years, balancing all the factors. The interests of everyone – local business owners, our increasing resident population and our highly expectant visitors – are being taken into account. Public safety is of course paramount.
Our night-time economy focus emerged when we consulted with the community about making Sydney a sustainable city by 2030. People said they wanted better public transport and a more inviting cityscape. They also wanted different options for socialising, not just mainstream drinking venues. Hence we encourage small bars to open in under-used spaces.
OPEN Sydney: Strategy and action plan 2013 – 2030
OPEN Sydney: Strategy and action plan 2013 – 2030 is the City’s vision for the long-term development of Sydney’s night-time economy. The strategy was endorsed by Council in February 2013.
A major part of the strategy’s development came out of extensive consultation with the local community. Stakeholders included residents, focus groups, representatives from the retail, liquor and entertainment sectors as well as key government leaders.
The strategy is available for download at the end of this page.
Supporting research
The City has also commissioned a cost benefit analysis, a review of international evidence and other significant research projects to support the development of our night-time economy policy.
Our research and extensive public consultation is ongoing. Results so far have informed our decision to trial the inititiatives summarised here.
If you would like more information, please visit our OPEN Sydney resources page.
Temporary toilets and precinct ambassadors
To make late nights out less intrusive for residents, temporary toilet facilities are being set up, while precinct ambassadors will be patrolling high-traffic areas to help people find their way around the city and locate transport home.
Visitor information kiosks on George Street and in Kings Cross will remain open until 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights in summer.
Food on the move
A trial of mobile food trucks is well underway. The plan here is to give people a better variety of dining options later at night. The City is also exploring options for late-night food markets in parks and public spaces.
Future plans
By 2030, the City hopes the night-time economy will be transformed away from a focus on younger people and drinking. It is hoped 40% of people using the City at night will be aged over 40 and that 40% of operating businesses at this time will be shops.
We're encouraging a larger variety of retailers and attractions to stay open late, to broaden people's choices of things to do after dark. Small businesses interested in opening later can attend a free workshops to discuss ideas and register their comments.
Other plans include a 24-hour library with Wi-Fi facilities and one night every year where galleries and museums remain open late.
The City hopes to double its night-time turnover to $30 billion and increase night-time employment by 25% to 100,000 jobs.
Links
| Downloads | ||
|---|---|---|
| OPEN Sydney: Future directions for Sydney at night | PDF 1.4 MB | Download |
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Last updated: Friday, 24 May 2013
