Working with the NSW Government, The City of Sydney is developing its plans for a 24-hour post-pandemic “alfresco city” that will support Sydney’s recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19.
According to Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, the concept of a 24-hour alfresco city for Sydney has been in discussion for over ten years, well before the advent of COVID-19.
“Over the last decade we have proposed the light rail and helped create a pleasant, people-friendly George Street, we have paved laneways and campaigned for small bars,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Now by removing fees and red tape and working with businesses to find as many outdoor dining opportunities as possible, we’re supporting COVID-recovery, while realising our vision of an alfresco city.
“We need to allow and encourage businesses to operate outdoors, and we need to support our creative and cultural life to activate and draw people back to our city, safely. We want to ensure our city businesses survive, and create new opportunities to thrive in the long term.
“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. Encouraging outdoor dining makes it easier for us to enjoy those things and support local businesses while maintaining a safe physical distance.
“The City is working with businesses along Sydney high streets, in laneways and in the CBD to identify parking spots, traffic lanes and footpaths for outdoor dining including Pitt, Barrack and Crown streets and Tankstream and Wilmot lanes.”
The City and the government will work together to cut red tape and create a streamlined process that will make it easier than ever before for businesses to take up outdoor dining in reclaimed spaces and laneways. Under the new plans, associated outdoor dining fees will also be waived until March 2021.
The 12-month outdoor dining pilot is set to begin in November and support measures for the small business, community and cultural sector will be extended to 30 March 2021. Measures include:
IMAGE: Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore/teamclover.com.au
