Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou has criticised the NSW government’s decision to wind back plans for 24-hour trading at The Cutaway cultural venue in Barangaroo, saying Sydney urgently needs more late-night venues.
The government has reduced proposed operating hours at the $100 million venue to 8am–midnight, with limited exceptions, following strong community opposition over noise and disruption.
The original plan had earmarked the site for 24/7 operations as part of efforts to boost Sydney’s night-time economy.
Nicolaou said the decision was “disappointing,” arguing the city must counter the impacts of the pandemic and working from home.
“If you choose to live in Barangaroo – in the heart of a global city – a level of noise should be expected,” he said.
“We desperately need to ensure there are enough venues and facilities that are open 24/7.”
He said The Cutaway could have hosted overnight concerts, creative events and live international broadcasts, adding: “At the very least we should have given it a trial.”
Revised plans include noise controls from 10pm, capped patron numbers of almost 3000, and crowd management measures to limit residential impacts. A three-month trial is planned, with the possibility of extended hours subject to further approvals.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald.
