The $1 million Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant Program will provide councils who have already committed to establishing a SEP in their local government area (LGA) with an opportunity to apply for funding ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 to help establish SEPs.
The NSW Government has also enhanced the Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) framework under Tranche 2 of the Vibrancy Reforms with new guidelines and best practice guidance to support councils to create more SEPs throughout the state – with better incentives for venues to take part, and more help for councils to plan and partner with their local communities.
Building on the success of the Enmore Road precinct – rated one of the world’s coolest night districts – the new SEP Guidelines will give Councils tools and guidance to create vibrant areas and flexible trading for night-time venues and businesses. Councils can establish SEPs to protect and help existing venues, future-proof new precincts, or support major festival and event programs.
Burwood Council, Inner West Council and the Sutherland Shire Council are just some of the ten councils who have so far passed resolutions to establish or investigate a SEP in their local areas.
Under the ‘eyes wide open’ provisions of the NSW Government’s second round of Vibrancy Reforms passed by Parliament last month, councils are also required to notify new property buyers, residents and businesses of a SEP both by a notice published on the council website and a notation on planning certificates. This will ensure future residents buying into these areas are armed with the information they need to make an informed decision to live in a vibrant precinct.
A property search will make it clear that the prospective buyer is moving into an area where late trade and higher levels of noise are supported by the local council and NSW Government.
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:
“Enabling more SEPs through extra guidance and grants will be a major kickstart for councils wanting to support their unique local going-out districts. Enmore Road is just one great example, but SEPs in theatre districts, coastal tourism hubs, eat streets and regional music festival areas, for example, will have their own unique feel.
“Vibrant, activated precincts across NSW are already sharing the diverse stories of their communities. The updated SEP framework will help local councils to identify and uplift local entertainment areas in their LGA.
“We encourage councils who have already committed to establishing a SEP to apply for these grants to support their community’s night-time economy.”
