Tamworth Regional Council will receive $200,000 from the NSW Government’s $1.94 million SEP Kickstart Grant program to set up a Special Entertainment Precinct trial in the CBD and the Longyard.
Special Entertainment Precincts allow councils to change trading hours and sound rules within a designated area to allow shops, hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive without needing to resubmit costly development applications.
The funding will support consultation with local businesses, residents and police to determine the most suitable trading conditions for the precinct.
The establishment of these precincts allows councils to future-proof their entertainment precincts by notifying residents and prospective home buyers that they will be living in an area where later trading hours and higher levels of sound are supported by the council.
Tamworth Council mayor Russell Webb said the funding was a major step forward in growing the night-time economy and reinforcing its position as Australia’s Country Music Capital and as a live music and entertainment destination.
“This grant will allow us to collaborate with our venues, businesses and residents to ensure we are creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that attract visitors, encourage investment, and strengthen our city’s cultural and economic future,” Mr Webb said.
