The Late Night Trading Development Control Plan (DCP) is a key part of City of Parramatta’s vision of becoming a global 24-hour city. As businesses within the CBD look to extend their hours and contribute to the local night-time economy, the DCP provides clear guidelines that balance growth with community needs.
The NTIA caught up with City of Parramatta’s Manager Land Use Planning Janelle Scully to understand how the DCP works and what it means for businesses.
NTIA: Can you give us a brief overview of how the Late Night Trading DCP supports the night time economy? What are the main opportunities for night time operators?
Janelle: Businesses in Parramatta’s CBD will be able to apply to operate around the clock as the City continues its push to become a true global city with a thriving night time economy. The DCP sets the standard for Greater Sydney by:
- Providing certainty about the controls and process for new and existing business operators seeking to expand their late night trading offerings, as well as certainty for the community, organisations and Council assessment and compliance officers.
- Encouraging a range of uses that contribute to the night time economy such as retail and business services (for example, book stores, convenience stores, hairdressers and art galleries); as well as more traditional night time activities such as entertainment uses, restaurants and bars, including those with outdoor spaces.
- Championing the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night time economy where these exist within the LGA and promote Parramatta CBD as a 24-hour city.
- Promoting a shared responsibility for the acoustic environment within the CBD.
Were there any challenges in balancing community needs and the needs of industry? If so, what specific strategies are in place to support businesses like bars, live music venues, and performance spaces while maintaining that balance?
Council did extensive consultation with the community and industry during development of the DCP to strike the right balance between fostering a diverse 24-hour night time economy with appropriate safeguards and controls. The DCP promotes a shared responsibility for the acoustic environment in the CBD between receivers of noise (such as residential accommodation, educational facilities and commercial premises) and emitters of noise from licenced and non-licensed uses.
The provisions in the DCP aim to balance the management and mitigation of noise. For, example, a new residential building in the CBD would be required to incorporate noise attenuation in the building envelope. Conversely, a small bar or nightclub is required to have a Plan of Management that details all noise management measures to ensure the development can achieve the noise criteria. The objective is to establish appropriate internal noise criteria that balances the desired levels of vibrancy and a reasonable and commensurate level of amenity for sensitive uses.
We have a dedicated Night Time Economy Officer, and Business Liaison, who have built strong, respectful relationships with community and night time businesses. Our Night City Framework, which will be refreshed in 2025, sets out how we are balancing the development and growth of the Night Time Economy in Parramatta, and how our community can be aware, navigate and engage. We also champion awareness and engagement with our business community to apply for State Government funding and professional development opportunities, such as the Venues Unlocked program. Council is also commencing investigations and early engagement on a Special Entertainment Precinct in the Parramatta CBD, around Parramatta Square and Church Street (“Eat Street”).
For those looking to extend their late-night trading hours, how can they ensure that they’re following the DCP guidelines?
The DCP guidelines are available to download from Council’s website here, with the specific guidelines for trading hours in Section 10.3. Note: Trading hours approved by Council for a premises are separate to the daily 6-hour closure period required by Section 11A of the Liquor Act 2007 where the sale or service of liquor is prohibited. Council’s Duty Planners are also available to provide front-end planning and development information. For detailed advice and to obtain a written advisory report you can ask for a Pre-Lodgement Meeting (fees apply) or you can engage your own planning/development consultant.
What resources are available to help businesses understand the DCP and navigate the planning process? How can they best take advantage of the DCP?
Council understands that navigating the planning and licensing systems can be challenging. In addition to talking to a Council Duty Planner and or having a pre-lodgement meeting, Council has prepared supporting resources for businesses including a User Guide for Businesses and Frequently Asked Questions. A template Plan of Management will also soon be available.
With Parramatta’s vision for a 24-hour economy, what’s next for the DCP, and are there any updates planned to support businesses in hospitality, arts & culture, events, and performance?
The Late Night DCP is a key part of Parramatta’s vision to become a global city that is open 24/7. Council’s Parramatta 2050 vision outlines plans to position our CBD as a 24 hour cultural and entertainment district and a significant national and international destination. Major investments in arts, culture and events will be complemented by world-class accommodation and facilities, generating activity and buzz outside business hours. Read more about Parramatta 2050 here.
Council also includes a notation on zoning certificates (Section 10.7 certificates) for properties within a draft Late Night Trading Area advising of potential amenity impacts that should be reasonably expected when living in a vibrant and diverse commercial or mixed-use city centre.
Council has introduced a new Night Time Creative Economy Grants program to support our community in developing and delivering night time creative events and programming. These grants, which open in early 2025, are open to venues and independent creative producers, and artists and provide opportunities for our community to engage with our venues in delivering night time programming.
Council is also commencing investigations and early engagement on a Special Entertainment Precinct in the Parramatta CBD, around Parramatta Square and Church Street “Eat Street”. Sounds levels and trading hours will be set for this precinct that will encourage operators to set up or expand their businesses, and this in turn we hope will lead to a diverse range of people coming out and engaging with a wide offering of uses.