City of Sydney to boost business by transforming high streets for 1 day only this summer
Image: The first high street to get the 'Sydney Summer Streets' treatment is Stanley Street, East Sydney on January 15th. Photo: Google Maps.
By EVA BAXTER
The City of Sydney is transforming a series of village high streets into spaces for walking, shopping, and dining for 1 day only this month and in February as part of the City’s Community Recovery Plan.
The City will provide acoustic roving entertainment and chairs and tables around the street, and a food court style arrangement of up to 150 tables and 475 chairs will be arranged at each street closure.
The first high street to get the treatment is Stanley Street, East Sydney between Yurong Street and Crown Street on January 15th.
“Having brunch with friends, a wine after work or grabbing a quick bite and watching the world go by are some of the best moments of urban life,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore told City Hub, “outdoor dining on our footpaths and on our roadways make it easier for us to enjoy those things and support local businesses in a covid-safe way.
“Now we want to make even more space for people on our high streets, with special street closures that will make it possible for people to shop, dine and spend time outdoors.
“Retailers will bring their goods onto the street and people will be able to dine al fresco while enjoying music and performances,” she said.
The City is encouraging businesses and hospitality venues to host special events in-store such as talks, exhibitions, workshops, product demonstrations, cultural programming or a special promotion or offer.
Come together
The Sydney Summer Streets aim is to celebrate local neighbourhoods and come together, and for local business it is an opportunity to drive customers and patrons to their venues and potentially extend trading onto footpaths and outdoor settings.
The City plans to recover from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 with a clear, staged approach over the next 18 months outlined in the City’s Community Recovery Plan.
The Community Recovery Plan included a survey of community members, businesses, and organisations which identified using public outdoor space as an alternative to indoor venues and a way to build confidence and bring people back.
Local activations and events were identified through the survey as one of the most useful ways to assist business.
“When Sydney emerged from lockdown, we saw an uptick in consumer confidence. People got vaccinated and really wanted to get out of the house and enjoy what Sydney has to offer,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Omicron surge has blunted people’s enthusiasm, but by encouraging mask wearing, vaccination and hosting outdoor dining and events outdoors, we’re creating safer ways for people to support their local high street and favourite businesses.
“We’ll work with the NSW Government to ensure the events are managed in accordance with public health orders,” she said.
Darlinghurst Road/Macleay Street, Kings Cross between Bayswater Road and Hughes Street will be transformed on the 22nd and Redfern Street, Redfern between Regent Street and Chalmers Street on the 23rd.
Glebe, Surry Hills and Pyrmont will see one of their high streets transformed in February.
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