The Committee for Sydney has welcomed NSW Government’s new 24-hour Economy Strategy for Greater Sydney launched today.

The Committee called the report “one of the most detailed and comprehensive nightlife plans ever compiled for a city” and “a blueprint to regenerate Sydney’s 24-hour economy as the city recovers from COVID”.

The strategy is the result of consultation across many industries and supports a number of policy ideas suggested by the Committee, including:

• Establish a 24-hour coordinator to manage the 24-hour economy
• Create a ‘neon grid’ of interconnected entertainment and cultural precincts across Sydney
• Reduce red tape for live performances and outdoor dining
• Expand night-time activities in public spaces
• Develop a mobility plan to make it easier to travel between 24-hour economy hubs
• Extend opening hours for cultural institutions and retail
• Re-establish Sydney’s positive image as a vibrant global night-time destination

The Committee for Sydney is part of an Industry Advisory Group that has worked with NSW Government to develop the strategy. It builds upon the Committee’s earlier report, Sydney as a 24-hour City and recent calls to make it easier for hospitality venues to operate outside during the COVID pandemic.

CEO of the Committee for Sydney, Gabriel Metcalf said that the strategy would help support many night-time sectors decimated by the pandemic:

“We know that bars, restaurants, retailers and cultural institutions have been hit hard in 2020. This strategy is part of how we help them bounce back.”

“It is one of the most detailed and comprehensive nightlife plans ever compiled for a city and a blueprint to regenerate Sydney’s 24-hour economy as the city recovers from COVID.”

“Sydney is one of the most liveable cities in the world. It is now time for us to become a 24-hour city. Whilst our night-time offer is great in many places, we should aspire to much more.”

“This is a way to showcase the best of Sydney: a young, fun, diverse, creative city that offers the best in culture, dining, retail and entertainment after dark.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Committee for Sydney is an urban policy think tank. We are advocates for the whole of Sydney, developing pragmatic and innovative solutions to the most important problems we face. We are funded by a group of Sydney’s leading corporations, government departments and cultural institutions. Our goal is to make Sydney the best city in the world.