Sydney: A New 24-Hour Economy Strategy

Sydney is on the verge of an exciting transformation into a 24-hour city. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the city at night, offering expanded cultural, leisure, and social activities suitable for all ages, in addition to enhanced public transport options.

Urban planners are working diligently to provide residents and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy Sydney beyond traditional working hours. This initiative, known as the Sydney 24-Hour Economy Strategy, establishes a framework of sustainable measures designed to help businesses and activities flourish after dark. Key features include:

• Extended opening hours for cultural institutions
• Identification of spaces for outdoor dining, art installations, concerts, and festivals
• Reduction in restrictions on liquor licensing and live music
• Enhanced public transport availability

“At its core, our objective is to create a 24-hour city that is world-renowned for its vibrancy, diversity, safety, and access to amenities throughout the day and night,” stated Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney. “To compete on the world stage and foster job creation, we must offer a fantastic afterdark experience and 24-hour amenities for everyone to enjoy.”

The strategy seeks to reduce reliance on alcohol-centric nightlife while ensuring safety and vibrancy. According to workshops conducted across Sydney, a remarkable 78% of participants expressed a desire for a wider range of night-time activities that do not primarily focus on alcohol. Furthermore, 83% of younger individuals (aged 18-29) expressed a preference for investing in experiences over material possessions.

This report emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the evolution towards a more dynamic nighttime culture. It also highlights the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to not only plan the reopening of Sydney’s night-time economy but also to rethink what nighttime experiences in Sydney can entail.

While these changes are a crucial aspect of Sydney’s recovery from the pandemic, most will only be implemented once current COVID-19 restrictions have been eased. You can view the complete report here.