The campaign to bring more life to Sydney's streets after dark is an ongoing battle: with the cost-of-living crisis (and the allure of a Sydney sunrise) exacerbating the legacy left by the lockout laws. But things are changing, with our 24-hour Economy Commissioner – a world-first government position – leading the charge in reshaping the city’s after-dark offering. Following the success of Sydney’s first dedicated Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) – which was made permanent on Enmore Road back in December 2023 – the government has just confirmed the locations for three additional SEPs in Sydney’s west. Precincts in Burwood and Fairfield are on track to be transformed into lively night-time destinations this year.
If you’re unclear on what the SEP term refers to, Sydney’s OG is the perfect case study. Enmore Road was used as the first trial site for the concept back in April 2023, with special measures, reduced red tape and incentives for after-dark entertainment introduced to boost footfall in the area after dark. Needless to say, the trial was a success, with Enmore Road becoming a go-to destination for alfresco dining and live music into the night.
In June 2024, the government confirmed five more SEPs set to be implemented across NSW: in Leichhardt, Dulwich Hill, Rozelle and two in Marrickville. Now, three additional SEPs have been confirmed further west, with councils in Burwood and Fairfield committing to establishing SEPs before the end of the year. In Burwood, the famous Chinatown Night Markets will become the official focal point of its after-dark action, with SEP rules implemented across the three blocks surrounding Burwood Chinatown. Fairfield Council will establish two SEPs surrounding two of their most popular dining hubs – one in Canley Heightsand the other in Canley Vale, both along Canley Vale Road.
According to Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham, the precincts' offerings will vary according to each suburb – offering exciting nights out across the city.
“The days where it was all about piling into Kings Cross for a boozy night out are over. We are now backing dozens of very different nightlife precincts right across the city and the state. Some will be about bars and nightclubs, others will be about food, art, culture, night markets or retail,” Minister Graham explains.
To support the implementation of the precincts, both councils will receive Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grants ($195,000 for Burwood Council and $183,308 for Fairfield Council), and rules will be introduced, including later trading hours, incentives for live music and ensuring residents are aware that they’re living in an area where after-dark entertainment is prioritised.
Now these three new SEPs have been announced, we should expect more, with 15 local councils across metropolitan and regional NSW currently expressing interest in establishing SEPs in their areas.
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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