The fight to bring back Sydney’s nightlife will enter a new chapter with Burwood and Fairfield committing to establish NSW’s next Special Entertainment Precincts (SEP).

The state’s first ever Special Entertainment Precinct was made permanent on Enmore Road in December 2023 which has led to boosted foot traffic, business revenue, and night-time visitation. This was followed by the Inner West Council and the City of Sydney’s commitment for additional Special Entertainment Precincts.

Special Entertainment Precincts allow councils to change trading hours and sound rules within a designated area to allow local hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive.

Burwood is becoming one of Sydney’s most popular nightlife precincts thanks to its famous Chinatown Night Markets and surrounding eateries. To further enhance the precinct Burwood Council will establish a Special Entertainment Precinct over three blocks around Burwood Chinatown.

Fairfield is also emerging as a leading Western Sydney nightlife precinct with renowned eat streets with a range of cuisines, street art and bars. Fairfield Council will establish two Special Entertainment Precincts, one in Canley Heights along Canley Vale Road and the other in Canley Vale along Canley Vale Road.

Both councils will receive Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grants ($195,000 for Burwood Council and $183,308 for Fairfield Council) that will support strategic planning, developing acoustic frameworks and community consultation. Both councils aim to establish the trial phase of their Special Entertainment Precincts by the end of 2025.

Once established, Special Entertainment Precincts allow councils to future proof their entertainment precincts by notifying residents and prospective home buyers that they will be living in a defined area where later trading hours and higher levels of sound are supported by council.

The move to establish Special Entertainment Precincts in Burwood and Fairfield are expected to be followed by more announcements, with another 15 local councils across metropolitan and regional NSW raising resolutions expressing interest in establishing SEP.

Rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts across NSW is one of many tools the NSW Government is using to rebuild a vibrant and safe night-time economy after a decade of lockouts and overregulation by the former Liberal government.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “The lockouts and overregulation under the former Liberal government, decimated our nightlife. We are determined to bring back Sydney’s nightlife block-by-block, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood.

“We’ve very excited to announce that Burwood and Fairfield will be our next hubs for vibrant nightlife, and to say that there’ll be more on the way.

“Anyone who’s been out in Enmore will know it’s been a huge success. Now the same planning tools will boost other precincts, but in a flexible way that helps harness the unique personality of each community.

“The days where it was all about piling into Kings Cross for a boozy night out are over. We are now backing dozens of very different nightlife precincts right across the city and the state. Some will be about bars and nightclubs, others will be about food, art, culture, night markets or retail.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li said: "Burwood has long been one of Sydney’s most vibrant and diverse destinations, and this new Special Entertainment Precinct will take it to the next level.

“From our iconic Chinatown Night Markets to our world-class eateries, Burwood is a place where people come together to celebrate food, culture and community.

“With extended trading hours and a stronger night-time economy, local businesses will thrive and residents will have more opportunities to enjoy everything this great precinct has to offer. This is about building a nightlife that reflects the energy and diversity of our community—safe, inclusive and uniquely Burwood."

Member for Fairfield David Saliba said: “Fairfield has always been a great place to dine out and socialise, but I am committed to bosting our area further, with two formally recognised Special Entertainment Precincts in Canley Vale and Canley Heights.

“The cultural diversity in our food and entertainment in Fairfield is second to none.

“Unlocking our nightlife is just a part of showcasing what we, as a community, have to offer.”

Chinatown Burwood media manager Iris Chen said: “Burwood Chinatown is excited that Burwood has been awarded the SEP Kickstart Grant. This support will help elevate our precinct, bringing even more opportunities for late-night dining, live entertainment, and cultural experiences.

“As a leading food and dining destination in NSW, we are committed to creating even more vibrant spaces where people come together to celebrate food, heritage, and community.

“We’re proud to be part of an entertainment precinct like no other in NSW and look forward to an exciting future for Burwood.”