Renewed focus on City’s night time glow

Penrith’s night time economy strategy to be enhanced by NSW plan.

Council’s vision for a safe, diverse, and busy night time economy in Penrith and St Marys is set to be enhanced by a new state government plan. The plan complements Councils' existing strategies to support the growth and diversification in our centres night economy to ensure a balanced approach. We have identified a range of multi-faceted interventions designed to improve people and business activity in the centres at night.
  
The release of the NSW Government’s 24-hour Economy Strategy sets out a collaborative approach between Councils, industry and a new Coordinator General for the delivery of a 24-hour economy across Greater Sydney.  

The intention of the strategy is to grow and support jobs in hospitality, tourism, retail and the arts which have been adversely affected by COVID-19 restrictions.  

Council has already taken a number of steps to renew and activate the Penrith City Centre and better accommodate activities linked to the night time economy following the creation of its own Night Time Economy Strategy in 2016 followed by the St Marys Night Time Economy Audit and Study in 2019.
  
Activities to follow from this strategy include the High Street Upgrade Project in 2018 which delivered new paving, furniture, and creative lighting., as well as the redevelopment of Triangle Park. This space has provided a location for numerous Council events including Thursday Night Live, Open Mic Night, Penrith Producers and Alive after 5.
  
City Park is another city shaping development that will unlock the City Centre precinct to opportunities in the night time economy. Currently in the detailed design phase, City Park will deliver a vibrant, contemporary, and green open space in the heart of Penrith’s City Centre.  

Following the completion of the Queen Street upgrades in 2018, last year Council endorsed the St Marys Night Time Economy Audit and Study which recommends four key actions as part of an overall strategy which builds on the existing strengths of the night time economy. These actions, some already underway, include defining a night time activity cluster to increase vibrancy and activity, implementing night time place making interventions, creating a destination within a walkable catchment and activating street frontages.
 
Council is finding new ways to support creative and cultural events through in our centres with a COVID-safe lens to build on previous successes. 

Click here to find out more about the NSW Government’s 24-hour Economy strategy.