Parramatta has taken another major step towards becoming a vibrant 24-hour destination after securing a $195,000 Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant from the NSW Government. The funding will support the City of Parramatta in developing and trialling a Special Entertainment Precinct in the heart of its CBD, paving the way for a more dynamic and diverse night-time economy.
The grant forms part of the NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program, designed to help councils establish thriving entertainment districts through strategic planning, community consultation and sustainable management. The initiative aligns with the state’s vision of creating safer, more vibrant cities where people can enjoy arts, culture, dining and entertainment well into the evening.
Under the proposed trial, Parramatta CBD could see extended trading hours for businesses, creating greater opportunities for restaurants, cafés, bars, retail stores and entertainment venues. The precinct is also expected to encourage more live music performances, cultural events, creative spaces and community activities, helping transform the city centre into a lively destination after dark.
The Special Entertainment Precinct model also offers practical incentives for participating businesses, including access to extended trading hours for eligible music venues and reduced liquor licence fees. These measures are designed to encourage investment, support local businesses and create new employment opportunities while strengthening Parramatta’s growing reputation as Western Sydney’s cultural and commercial capital.
The project builds on the City of Parramatta’s existing Late Night Trading Development Control Plan and its long-term Parramatta 2050 vision, which aims to create a globally connected, economically strong and culturally vibrant city. By extending activity beyond traditional business hours, the Council hopes to create a safer, more welcoming and economically resilient CBD.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter welcomed the funding, describing it as an important milestone in the city’s ongoing transformation. He said the investment would help unlock new opportunities for live entertainment, hospitality and local businesses while reinforcing Parramatta’s position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban centres.
According to Cr Zaiter, Parramatta has already established itself as a destination for food, culture and entertainment, and the Special Entertainment Precinct will further enhance those strengths by encouraging more people to experience the city during the evening. The initiative is also expected to support jobs, attract visitors and provide additional opportunities for artists, performers and creative industries.
The trial precinct will focus on the Parramatta CBD, bringing together businesses, residents, artists and community groups to help shape a balanced and well-managed night-time economy. Community engagement and detailed planning will form a key part of the process to ensure future growth supports both economic development and local amenity.
The funding comes through the NSW Government’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, which is working with councils across the state to create entertainment precincts that encourage cultural activity, tourism and business growth while maintaining public safety and community wellbeing. Parramatta’s successful application reflects its growing importance as Western Sydney’s economic and cultural powerhouse.
As Parramatta continues its rapid transformation through new infrastructure, transport links and commercial investment, the proposed Special Entertainment Precinct represents another significant milestone in the city’s evolution. If successfully implemented, the initiative could establish Parramatta as one of Australia’s leading 24-hour destinations, offering residents and visitors a vibrant mix of dining, entertainment, culture and community experiences around the clock.
