Newcastle after Dark scheme released
Newcastle City Council has released of its sweeping plan to revitalise the city’s night spots.
According to the council, the Newcastle After Dark Strategy now on public exhibition until May 14 will “breathe new life and colour into Newcastle’s night-time hospitality and cultural scene”.
The strategy includes a live music task force, an even-handed noise management policy and details on how council plans to grow the city’s $1.36 billion night time economy.
It also has initiatives to “support greater diversity of night-time venues”. It includes measures for a “safe, vibrant and creative public culture” in Newcastle’s nightlife.
“We want the City of Newcastle to have a thriving and diverse night time economy, with high quality facilities, amenity and local services for everyone,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes told the Newcastle Star.
“A well-planned city night-time economy has a central role to play in city centre revitalisation, as well as a major influence over the visitor and cultural economies of the city and the region.
“Our night time economy is equally a place of work and productivity, directly employing over twelve thousand Novocastrians and accounting for 5.4 per cent of the total Newcastle economy, so it's imperative that we do all we can to ensure our city thrives safely after dark.”
The council wants to prevent antisocial behaviour as a result of irresponsible alcohol consumption.
As a result, it has put together a plan that will see developers address noise management in new buildings near live music venues. Similar responsibilities would also be placed on established venues. If they plan to begin hosting live music events, they will have to seek noise control modifications.
“When new apartments are built next to an existing music venue, they would be responsible for noise attenuation, such as by installing double glazing,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes told the Newcastle Star.
“Likewise, if a live music venue seeks to extend its trading hours later at night or opens a beer garden, then it would be responsible for noise issues.”
12th April 2018
