A Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) is a designated night-time going out area, where the relevant local council sets suitable trading hours and sound limits for live entertainment, shops, community facilities and cultural spaces. The SEP will use the planning system and precinct management plan to provide clear, tailored rules for activity in the area, which gives greater certainty to businesses and residents and helps to create safe, vibrant, and welcoming destinations. Councils tailor SEPs to reflect the character and local needs of an area – whether it’s a buzzing restaurant district on a main street, a theatre and arts hub, a regional town centre or tourist destination. SEPs help councils plan for their future and support local culture, creativity and business.

The proposed boundary is within Eastwood Town Centre and includes the commercial and retail uses along Rowe Street, Railway Parade, West Parade, Progress Avenue and Lakeside Road.

The boundary was selected for several reasons:

• Covers the main commercial and retail uses within the Eastwood Masterplan study area
• Takes advantages of convenient public transport connections with train and bus services
• Covers notable night-time businesses (e.g. hotels/pubs) and outdoor dining areas
• Covers venue that occasionally hosts live music, performances and night/street markets, including Rowe Street mall where Eastwood Night Markets occur
• Excludes residential use and sensitive users (e.g. schools) to minimise land use conflicts
• Includes Eastwood Library, which Council intends to use/trial as a 24/7 library

You can view the draft boundary here.

Please note that this boundary may change following Council’s review of initial community feedback. We welcome and value your input on the draft boundary.

Night-Time Economy Strategy

Council adopted the Night-Time Economy Strategy on 23 July 2024 to help create a safer, more vibrant and inclusive night-time experience across our city.

Through our community engagement, we heard a strong desire for more diverse evening activities, live entertainment, and places for social connection. Many people also highlighted the important role that local businesses play in supporting live music and performance alongside Council events.

Eastwood Masterplan

The Special Entertainment Precinct and the Eastwood Masterplan will work together to drive the revitalisation of Eastwood Town Centre, with the Masterplan addressing a broader area while the SEP focuses on enhancing entertainment and vibrancy within the core.

As part of Council's commitment to ongoing engagement, we will be seeking further feedback in relation to our community's desire for more a more vibrant and active town centre.

Other Plans and Strategies

The establishment of a SEP is supported by the following strategies and plans:

• Night-Time Economy Strategy
• Economic Development Strategy
• Creativity Strategy 2025-2030
• Social Strategy 2025-2030
• Live Music Action Plan 2024-2028

In December 2023, the NSW Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner introduced the NSW Vibrancy Reforms to enable more activity and experiences at night. These reforms streamline noise regulation, reduce red tape for councils and modernise liquor licensing. Most importantly, they aim to create a supportive environment for artists, musicians, and venues to thrive locally. The establishment and operation of a SEP is governed by several legislations such as the Local Government Act 1993 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

As part of the vibrancy reforms, the SEP was developed to leverage and help refine areas that demonstrate an existing night-time economy. The benefits of a SEP include:

• Creating a more vibrant local lifestyle for residents
• Increased foot traffic and tourism to support local businesses and job creation
• Building the reputation of our local areas to support visitor and investment attraction

Yes, the first SEP was set up by Inner West Council, on Enmore Road. Inner West Council have since set up six more SEPs including Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Rozelle and two in Marrickville.

Additionally, many other councils are in the process of implementing SEPs in their town centres, including Burwood, Hornsby, Manly, and Fairfield.

The SEP will be established through an amendment to the Ryde Local Environmental Plan 2014 via a Planning Proposal. The Local Government Act 1993, a precinct management plan and the Ryde Development Control Plan 2014 will govern and manage the SEP.

A precinct management plan is a mandatory plan, as part of a SEP, and includes:

• A sound management framework
• Trading hours for licensed and unlicensed premises
• Compliance processes for unlicensed and licensed premises
• Thresholds or local circumstances for when a SEP may be suspended or revoked.

The plan is prepared by Council in consultation with Liquor and Gaming NSW, NSW Police and the Local Health District.

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