From authentic cuisine and traditional fashion to live music and street festivals – Liverpool’s new planned Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) trial will ensure nightlife destinations in this fast-growing southwest Sydney hub continue to thrive. 

Liverpool Council will receive funding ($200,000) under the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant program to establish a SEP trial in the Liverpool CBD’s cultural precinct to boost economic growth, cultural vibrancy and a buzzing nightlife.

The trial will support Liverpool’s vibrant multi-cultural dining scene, iconic cultural institutions and activations and festivals, including the popular Starry Sari Nights event.

With four universities (UNSW, University of Wollongong, University of Western Sydney, and University of Notre Dame) present in the Liverpool CBD, this trial will emphasise a key aspect of Liverpool’s transformation into a university city.

A thriving nightlife is a key part of student experience. By supporting late-night dining, live music and cultural festivals, the Special Entertainment Precinct gives students safe, vibrant options for socialising after class, making Liverpool more attractive to current and future students.

Through the NSW Government’s SEP initiative, councils can tailor trading hours and sound rules within a designated area in consultation with their community to support businesses, hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive. 

Established SEPs also 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 the council.    

Northern Beaches, Sutherland, Byron, Fairfield, Burwood and Hornsby councils have also received grants under the SEP Kickstart Grant program. An additional 14 councils across the state have also expressed interest in establishing SEPs.   

The NSW Government is committed to supporting the rollout of more SEPs across the state to contribute to NSW’s vibrant, accessible, safe and diverse night-time economy. 

For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps     

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Well done to the hard-working local MP Charishma Kaliyanda for backing the community and council to build Liverpool’s night-time economy.

“A special entertainment precinct allows the local community to grow its night-time economy in a way that works for local residents and businesses and embraces the best of local culture.

Local Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“If you’re looking to dine, shop or experience culture, Liverpool is the place to be. This support will help our city keep raising the bar.

“Local businesses in Liverpool have been waiting for a partner in their mission to make their mark. This announcement underscores our commitment to doing just that.

“With four campuses in the CBD, Liverpool is emerging as a true university city. A Special Entertainment Precinct will give students more ways to enjoy life after lectures.

“A vibrant nightlife is a key part of student life. This will help make university years in Liverpool unforgettable.

“Liverpool comes alive during our cultural street festivals. This trial is an opportunity to make sure that it’s bustling 365 days a year.”

Liverpool Council Mayor Ned Mannoun said: 

“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 the local residents and local traders. 

“Liverpool City Council has already demonstrated its ability to attract tens of thousands of visitors to evening events such as Experience the World and Starry Sari Nights, which drew more than 622,000 people to the Liverpool City centre last year. 

“These events not only showcase Liverpool’s cultural diversity and community engagement but also significantly boost local business activity and reinforce the city’s reputation as an exciting and popular night-time destination.

“Establishing a Precinct in Liverpool’s CBD will create a permanent framework to extend these successes year-round. It will support local live music venues in the Precinct by offering extended trading hours—two extra hours for nights with live music and one extra hour otherwise—leading to longer patron visits and increased spending.”

Professor Max Lu AO, University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor and President, said: 

“Liverpool is fast becoming one of Australia’s most dynamic places to live, learn and be inspired. This investment by the NSW Government will make the city even more vibrant, with diverse nightlife, live music and cultural experiences bringing students and the broader community together. As we look forward to the University of Wollongong’s Liverpool campus moving to our new Civic Place location in 2026, we’re excited for our students to learn and thrive in such a dynamic and exciting environment.”

Zoe Terpening, Pro Vice-Chancellor Precincts at University of New South Wales said:

“Southwest Sydney is home to a large, aspirational, and diverse student population across several world-class universities. The Liverpool SEP trial is a powerful example of how councils, education providers and government can collaborate through precincts to enhance place – supporting safety, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging for these students and the wider community.”

Image: Charishma Kaliyanda, Member for Liverpool presenting at an event at Western Sydney University’s Liverpool campus

CHARISHMA KALIYANDA MP

MEMBER FOR LIVERPOOL