Have your say on Council plans to strengthen Chatswood’s nightlife
Last modified on 16 May 2022
Increased night-time activity, more cultural events, improved lighting and signage, and longer business opening hours are among the ideas in a draft Willoughby City Council plan which aims to energise the Chatswood CBD’s after-hours activity.
The draft Night Time Economy Strategy seeks to encourage a safe and vibrant nightlife for Willoughby centred around the Chatswood CBD. It was endorsed to be placed on public exhibition by the Council on 28 March.
The plan encourages growth opportunities in the Chatswood CBD over the next five years by creating welcoming places with a focus on night time activities and exciting events that bring the community together. It also defines the night-time role for other local centres in Willoughby, where similar activity is proposed.
The plan will see Council, in partnership with other government agencies and the business community, drive initiatives that deliver a higher number of cultural and creative activities, increased visitation, more local jobs, and the establishment of more new businesses.
Under the plan, there will be more reasons to visit Chatswood after dark, such as experiencing the flagship cultural program, Chatswood Culture Bites with its unique program of contemporary theatre, music, art and family activities.
In Council’s 2021 Community Wellbeing Survey, 79% of the community rated Willoughby’s public spaces as being safe at night. To ensure this high standard is maintained, it’s anticipated that any increased night-time activity would be accompanied by measures to improve safety and lighting, along with a more diverse range of night-time businesses.
Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor said the strategy represents an important component in an ongoing success story for the local economy.
“Invigorating our night time economy means bringing the community together with a focus on ‘fun’, through vibrant cultural events, inclusive social activities and greater sense of safety in public spaces.” Mayor Taylor said.
“We are building on our strengths, centring on Chatswood and The Concourse as well-established dining and cultural precincts of Sydney’s North Shore. This plan lays out a roadmap to enhance the attractiveness of the area, making it a place where people return again and again,” Mayor Taylor added.
The community is now invited to learn more, read the draft strategy and provide feedback until 13 June 2022. Visit https://www.haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au/
Following the exhibition, an engagement outcomes report will be prepared for the Council, which will then consider whether to adopt the strategy.
Photo caption: Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor at The Concourse, Chatswood. Photo credit: Jacquie Manning