Liverpool’s nightlife is set for a major boost, with the announcement of a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) trial in the heart of the CBD. The initiative, supported by a $200,000 NSW Government SEP Kickstart Grant, will create a framework to strengthen the city’s already thriving multicultural dining, live music and festival scene.
The new precinct will be centred around Liverpool’s cultural hub, providing more opportunities for local businesses, artists and students to enjoy a safe and vibrant nightlife.
Celebrating Culture and Community
The SEP trial will build on the success of much-loved events such as Starry Sari Nights and Experience the World, which together attracted more than 622,000 people to Liverpool last year. With extended trading hours – two extra hours on nights featuring live music and one extra hour on others – the precinct will give local businesses more scope to thrive while encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the move would help turn temporary successes into a permanent drawcard:
“A Special Entertainment Precinct in Liverpool will build on the city’s proven success in delivering large-scale, vibrant night-time events. It’s a win for local residents and local traders.”
A University City Comes Alive at Night
With four major universities located in the CBD – UNSW, University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University and University of Notre Dame – the SEP trial will also enhance Liverpool’s growing reputation as a university city.
“A vibrant nightlife is a key part of student life,” said Charishma Kaliyanda, Local Member for Liverpool. “This will help make university years in Liverpool unforgettable.”
University leaders echoed this vision. Professor Max Lu AO, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, said the investment would create “a dynamic and exciting environment” for students and the community, while Zoe Terpening of UNSW highlighted the precinct’s role in fostering “safety, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging.”
Backed by Government and Community
The NSW Government’s SEP program gives councils the ability to set tailored trading hours and sound rules within designated areas, ensuring nightlife can thrive in a way that balances the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham praised the local advocacy that made the Liverpool SEP possible:
“A special entertainment precinct allows the local community to grow its night-time economy in a way that works for residents and businesses while embracing the best of local culture.”
Liverpool joins a growing list of councils – including Northern Beaches, Sutherland, Byron, Fairfield, Burwood and Hornsby – trialling SEPs as part of a statewide effort to build a vibrant, diverse, and safe night-time economy.
Building a Year-Round Nightlife
For Liverpool, the SEP trial represents more than just extended trading hours. It’s a commitment to nurturing culture, supporting business, and cementing the city’s place as a thriving hub of food, fashion, music and learning.
As Kaliyanda summed it up:
“Liverpool comes alive during our cultural street festivals. This trial is an opportunity to make sure that it’s bustling 365 days a year.”
For more information, visit the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms page: nsw.gov.au/seps.
