Share your Newcastle night-time economy experiences

City of Newcastle is calling on the community to share their experiences of the city at night as part of an upcoming trial to extend the trading hours of 26 small bars and restaurants.

Council voted unanimously to support a trial to extend the trading hours of restaurants in the city until midnight and to 2am for small bars, as first proposed in the City of Newcastle’s After Dark Strategy, also unanimously adopted in 2018.

Twenty-six small bars and restaurants have opted into the trial as part of efforts to grow the night-time economy and support the hospitality industry’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19 related restrictions. 

City of Newcastle’s Newcastle After Dark 2018 – 2022 strategy is a plan for creating a safe, vibrant and diverse $1.36 billion night-time economy.

The strategy highlights that growth of venue diversity is paramount to increasing the appeal of Newcastle to broader demographics who are currently not catered for compared with competing regional destinations.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community feedback is an important component of the trial; providing invaluable local baseline data to evaluate its impact.

“The Newcastle Night-time Economy trial will allow for an evidence-based understanding of the community’s needs.

“We invite the community to have their say on how they think more diverse entertainment options could be created in our city.

“The hospitality and creative industries have struggled in the wake of COVID-19 with job losses, income reduction and loss of revenue because of the impacts of Public Health Orders, restrictions to venue capacities and a general reluctance for people to attend public places.

“We hope to see a positive outcome from the trial for these industries through increased night-time economic development, cultural participation and activation in our City.”

Visit Newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to learn more and take the survey.