Back in June, the government confirmed plans to introduce five new Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) across Sydney – part of its six-pronged plan to amp up Sydney’s nightlife. The recent vibrancy reforms have been transforming Sydney step by step – with the outdated standing while drinking rule scrapped, the sign-up rule at clubs and RSLs removed, and new rules introduced for tenants moving into SEPs (making late-night fun a lot more achievable). Now, the government has announced details of a huge new grant program available for suburbs keen to transform into Special Entertainment Precincts – paving the way for a lot more late-night zones to pop up across the state.
Earlier in the year, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham described the government’s vibrancy reforms as “about rebuilding the night-time economy block-by-block, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood," – and creating more SEPs is essential for that approach to work. The new SEP Kickstart Grant Program will provide councils who have committed to establishing a SEP in their area with an opportunity to apply for funding ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. The grant money will be used to bring more SEPs (like the one already buzzing in Enmore) to life across Sydney and NSW.
Benefits of SEP status include improved flexibility around events, extended licensing, and rules preventing events from being shut down after just one noise complaint. After the success of the Enmore Road pilot project (which led to a slew of new openings in the area), the NSW Government is keen to see more SEPs pop up across the state to bring more energy to our cities and towns after dark.
Currently, Balmain’s Darling Street is on track to secure SEP status, and Burwood Council, Inner West Council and the Sutherland Shire Council are among the ten councils who have already committed to investigating SEP potential in their areas. Just last week, the Inner West Council confirmed they would be moving forward with plans to deliver six new SEPs across the Inner West, with SEPs on track to be established in Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Rozelle and two areas in Marrickville.
“Enabling more SEPs through extra guidance and grants will be a major kickstart for councils wanting to support their unique local going-out districts,” 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues explained.
If you’re intrigued about how SEP status could potentially reshape your suburb, you can read the guidelines for grant submissions over here.
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