Media release
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
Inner West Council is moving forward with plans to deliver six new Special Entertainment Precincts across the Inner West, following the hugely successful revitalisation of Enmore Road.
Council has now been given the green light from the State Government to proceed with its planning proposal to establish Special Entertainment Precincts in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Rozelle and two areas in Marrickville.
This includes a minor extension of the Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct to include the Warren View Hotel and another commercial property.
Inner West Mayor, Councillor Darcy Byrne, said the Inner West continues to position itself as the leading entertainment and live music destination in Australia.
"We were the first Council in NSW to deliver a Special Entertainment Precinct, now we are building on that success with 6 more", Clr Byrne said.
"These new Special Entertainment Precincts will build on the success of Enmore Road and create more opportunities for performing artists, as well as boost local businesses and add to the vibrancy and nightlife of our neighbourhoods.
"Rewarding venues that host gigs with an hour later trading creates a real incentive to rely on cultural activity instead of poker machines.
"For Marrickville Road, which is already going gangbusters, this will be an extra boost. For Darling Street Balmain and Norton Street Leichhardt these new precincts can be the shot in the arm they need to bounce back to life.
"Earlier engagement this year for these new precincts received great community support, so we know this is something local people are enthusiastic about," said Clr Byrne.
The six new Special Entertainment Precincts will create real incentives for venues to host live performances and artistic activity through:
- Allowing businesses in Special Entertainment Precincts an extra hour of trade
- Permitting all main street premises to host small scale live performances without needing a development application
- Extending footpath dining until 11pm
- Reducing the number of government agencies that police and regulate sound in the precinct to just one (Liquor and Gaming NSW)
- Mandating the sound-proofing of new, nearby developments to reduce sound impacts
The planning proposal will be on public exhibition for community feedback from February 2025.
Detailed maps of the locations of the new Entertainment Precincts can be found at the link below:
Your Say Inner West: Special Entertainment Precincts