Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy Policy a success

It’s been two years since Wollongong City Council first adopted the Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy Policy.

The Policy’s aim was to support the evolution of the city’s diverse night time economy by encouraging low impact businesses to extend their operating hours.

Since it was adopted – and despite the uncertainty and challenges of COVID-19 pandemic – the policy has guided over 35 approvals for new and expanding businesses in the CBD. These include gyms, theatres, restaurants, 24-hour public domain activations and 2am operation for small bars and take away businesses.

Image: Full Set Fest in Globe Lane (2021)

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that in recent years, the Wollongong CBD has undergone a massive transformation.

“We hear all the time how much the CBD has changed in recent years – whether that be through construction projects or new businesses opening in a changing retail and restaurant scene,’’ he said.

“We’ve seen an incredible amount of investment in the Wollongong, including $1.9 Billion of projects completed or under construction over the last decade. Looking to the future, there is a pipeline of $1 Billion in mixed use, residential and commercial projects planned for the city.

“The Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy Policy is just one part of the puzzle that’s working to help develop the CBD’s offer of growing cafés, restaurants and small bars. At last count, there were more than 180 of them.

“The CBD is no longer primarily a retail space but a major employment and services hub. We need to manage activation after hours to ensure that this space meets the needs of the community.”

Image: Breakout Bar & Escape Rooms

On Monday 29 May 2023, Council endorsed an updated Wollongong CBD Night Time Economy Policy, which incorporates minor administrative changes to remove outdated references and provide clarification.

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said that feedback from key stakeholders on the policy has been positive.

“Given the success of the policy, Council proposed minor technical amendments to the policy like adding accommodations for special events and clarifying the rules around small businesses that support shift workers and emergency services,” Mr Doyle said.

“As the proposed amendments were largely technical in nature, we spoke directly with key stakeholders such as NSW Police and officers from Liquor and Gaming NSW.

“Their feedback has been supportive of the proposed changes, and all agree that the policy has been functioning well and seeing positive results.”

A copy of the new policy will be made available on Council’s website soon.