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Taking just one look at the lines that snake around Club Rose Bay, you’d be well aware that socialising in the city can often come with significant wait times.
But it looks like more and more people are shirking the CBD and Eastern Suburbs in favour of a day or night out in Sydney’s western suburbs.
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Fewer lines, cheaper eats, no entry fees and, according to plenty of patrons, a somewhat less conceited clientele are all reasons why nightlife in the west is emerging as a much more favourable option than heading to the CBD.
Leading the charge in the booming cultural scene in the west are two suburbs: Canley Vale and Canley Heights.
Known as the “Little Asia” district, these suburbs have been driven by Anthony Nguyen, who has helped cultivate this emerging hotspot to celebrate Southeast Asian food, drinks, art and culture.
“We’re not going to travel one hour to the city, then party, then spend an hour to get home – it’s dangerous. We have to create something for the locals,” Nguyen told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We literally went and door-knocked everyone and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to create a district’.”
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The injection of energy into the community is being keenly felt, with new stats showing just how popular the west is becoming. In data released by Visa last year, the Parramatta area is experiencing rapid growth, with money spent on dining increasing by 71 per cent in the last five years.
Sydney’s night economy has been a rocky road over the past decade, with lockout laws, COVID-19 and inflation all heavily affecting the livelihood of many restaurants, bars and venues.
But where there’s a want there’s a way, and people are searching for something new, affordable and free from pretension.
And it looks like Sydney’s west fits the bill.
Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone told the Sydney Morning Herald he’s excited to see how these emerging districts will shape the community.
“The Canleys will breathe new life into our night-time economy and will stand as a vibrant hub for dining, entertainment and connection — an experience people will want to return to time and time again,” he said.
We’ll see you at the front of the line.