The north-west Sydney suburb of Hornsby is being fast-tracked as a night-time hotspot after receiving a $200,000 grant from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP).
SEPs enable hospitality venues, entertainment operators and local businesses to change trading hours and sound rules in consultation with the community, to provide more options for a great night out.
Michael Rodrigues, the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner said: “Our Office has been working with businesses in the Hornsby area for the last couple of years now. Initiatives like the return of the Twilight Markets show there is appetite for audiences to engage with locally led entertainment options.
“We hope that the Special Entertainment Precinct grant will help build momentum, improving not only the amenity for Hornsby locals but for the audiences in the North-West and Central Coast as well.”
Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell added: “As Mayor of Hornsby Shire, I’m passionate about transforming Hornsby Town Centre into a vibrant, active and connected destination that the whole community may enjoy both day and night. We are pleased that Council’s vision, as outlined in our Hornsby Town Centre Masterplan, is now on the horizon thanks to the NSW Government’s designation of Hornsby as a Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct.
“This grant for our Special Entertainment Precinct will bring us one step closer to a vibrant town centre in Hornsby, making it a place for families to gather and enjoy themselves in the evenings after work and on weekends. We thank the New South Wales government for its contribution to the future of Hornsby Shire and look forward to more such investment in delivering the Hornsby Transport Oriented Development precinct.
“I’m confident that the Hornsby of tomorrow will be a recreational destination of choice offering a family friendly mix of dining, entertainment and cultural experiences.”
Other councils across metropolitan and regional NSW, including Tamworth, Fairfield and Burwood, have also expressed interest in establishing SEPs, and the NSW Government has increased the SEP funding pool to $1.94m in response to this demand.
The NSW Government said it is committed to supporting the rollout of more SEPs across the state to help grow vibrant, accessible, safe and diverse night-time economies.