Newcastle Labor councillors will push ahead with plans to grow the city’s night-time economy, backing “live” music, small venues and local hospitality.
Lord Mayor candidate Declan Clausen and councillor Paige Johnson are set to table a Notice of Motion (NoM) to City of Newcastle (CN) on Tuesday 10 March so work can begin on a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in the aptly named Midtown.
That sector centres around Steel and Union streets between King and Hunter streets in the CBD.
It’s also home to a growing cluster of venues, small bars and creative businesses, such as Charlie’s Rooftop, Bernie’s Bar, Rogue Scholar, Mad Poet, Koutetsu and the King Street Hotel.
The NSW Government recently introduced SEPs as a tool to empower councils to designate areas where trading hours and sound conditions can be set by local government.
So, Cr Clausen and Cr Johnson are seeking CN’s support to undertake a feasibility study to not only declare Midtown a SEP but provide clarity for residents, businesses and venue operators.
“I won’t let Newcastle go the way of Sydney where the night-time economy has been sacrificed to accommodate noise complaints for wealthy residents who can afford to live close to the CBD,” he said.
“I want Newcastle to be a place where young people and families can enjoy the best venues.
“Midtown has become one of the most exciting cultural precincts in Newcastle, with music, small venues and independent businesses creating a unique atmosphere.
“This motion is about setting clear expectations for residents and businesses.
“If you move next door to an existing ‘live’ music venue or bar in Midtown, then you should expect there to be young people enjoying themselves.
“Cities that thrive in the future will be those that support music, creativity and local entrepreneurs.
“Midtown shows what’s possible when the community and small businesses work together.”
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham welcomed the initiative and praised Cr Clausen’s long-standing advocacy on the issue.
“Declan’s been an advocate for Newcastle’s night-time economy and understands the role ‘live’ music and hospitality play in building vibrant cities,” he said.
“The NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms are designed to support exactly this kind of local leadership, helping cities like Newcastle grow their after-dark economy while maintaining strong planning safeguards.”
Cr Clausen said the NoM would allow CN to carry out detailed investigation and consultation with residents, venue operators and the state government before any final decision was made.
“This is about doing the work properly,” he explained.
“Exploring a Special Entertainment Precinct is a practical step that could help support local venues and artists.
“It means engaging with the community and businesses so we can strengthen Newcastle’s night-time economy while maintaining the great quality of life people expect from our city.”
Cr Johnson said Midtown had proven itself as a thriving hub for entertainment, creativity, music and hospitality in Newcastle.
“Now’s the right time to begin the conversation with the community about land use in this geographically small but important precinct that is critical for a vibrant night-time economy in Newcastle,” she added.
If the Notice of Motion is successful this week, council will request preliminary stakeholder engagement starts, with residents, businesses, venue operators, government agencies and representatives being invited to present to CN at a future public briefing.
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