Sydney’s nightlife gets a bad rap, but as one of the only cities in the world with a dedicated 24-hour economy commissioner (or “night mayor”), the city is making strides. Recent vibrancy reforms have been transforming Sydney’s night time set-up step by step – with the outdated standing while drinking rule scrapped, the sign-up rule at clubs and RSLs removed, and new rules introduced for tenants moving into SEPs (making late-night fun a lot more achievable in dedicated corners of the city).
Back in June of 2024, the NSW Government confirmed plans to introduce five new Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) across Sydney. In November, a new grant application process was launched to streamline the process for neighbourhoods across the state, making it easier for councils to apply for SEP status (removing red tape, and incentivising late-night dining, music and entertainment). Now, the NSW Government has confirmed that Manly and Cronulla are the next SEPs to join the ranks.
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The initiative aims to transform Manly’s Corso and Cronulla’s town centre into buzzing, future-proofed nightlife hubs, where extended trading and live entertainment will be balanced with community needs. The Northern Beaches Council and Sutherland Shire Council have both scored SEP Kickstart Grants – $173,760 for Manly and $200,000 for Cronulla – to roll out trial precincts that support local venues, musicians and event organisers.
It’s a model that’s already proven a winner. Enmore Road became Sydney’s first permanent Special Entertainment Precinct in late 2023, boosting foot traffic, business revenue and night-time visitation, with 84 per cent of locals giving it the thumbs up. Since then, suburbs from Burwood to Byron Bay have jumped on board, and 14 more councils are on track to follow suit.
What does that mean for Manly and Cronulla? More gigs, more late-night eats, more reasons to stay around after a day on the sand. In Manly, the trial will build on the suburb’s growing cultural calendar, with events like the Rise Manly Winter Festival showing just how buzzy the Northern Beaches capital can be. Cronulla, meanwhile, will build on the success of festivals like Cronulla Jazz and Blues, expanding its nightlife options beyond dinner-and-drinks.
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Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham says the revival is about giving beach suburbs the nightlife they deserve: “Beautiful beaches and great nightlife don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s time to bring some of that iconic energy back.”
Or, as 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues puts it: “New York and London don’t have beaches – we do. And now we’re finally starting to play to our strengths.”
With councils, local businesses and residents all feeding into the planning process, the trials are designed to strike the right balance between late-night buzz and community contentment. If they succeed, Manly and Cronulla could set the tone for a new era of Sydney nightlife – one where you can go from surfboard to dance floor without leaving the neighbourhood.
If you’re intrigued about how SEP status could potentially reshape your suburb, you can read the guidelines for grant submissions over here.
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