We’re seeking feedback on proposed planning controls that will help re-energise Sydney’s $4 billion night-time economy and create more opportunities for creative and cultural activities.

Our draft planning proposals, which are now on public exhibition, allow existing shops and businesses to trade until 10pm without any additional approval, help protect live entertainment venues across the city, and create more opportunities for small scale cultural activities to be held in existing retail, office and community spaces.

“Now is the time to breathe life into the night-time and cultural life of our city,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Small businesses and creative and cultural industries are facing significant challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, with many forced to close or restrict their operations.

Protecting existing entertainment venues, making it easier for businesses to extend their trading hours where possible and creating more opportunities for cultural activities in new and exciting locations will be crucial to our post-pandemic recovery.

“We would love to see cultural activities in unexpected locations, such as theatre, stand-up comedy, film screenings, seminars or live music in retail stores, warehouses or office buildings.

“These planning changes will pave the way towards a stronger, more creative and diverse night-time economy.”

The new planning controls will:

• allow existing shops and business to trade in central Sydney and local centres from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week without additional approval
• allow temporary small-scale cultural activities to take place in existing office, industrial, retail and community facility buildings without an approval
• make it easier for creative and maker tenants to locate in local centres, such as village high streets
• allow for performance and entertainment uses at Erskineville Town Hall
• enable the fair management of entertainment sound to protect live music and performance venues and the community from potential adverse impacts
• make it easier for small-scale cultural activities to take place where development approval is required.

View our plan and provide your feedback

You can view the proposal and give your feedback at sydneyyoursay.com.au.

Submissions close 5pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020.