Burwood recognised as a night-time destination
Published on 24 March 2025
Burwood is no longer just a CBD, it is a Central Experience District.
On Friday, 21 March Minister John Graham announced Burwood Council will be establishing its first Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP), all made possible by a $195,000 SEP Kickstart Grant from the NSW Government.
Already becoming one of Sydney’s most popular nightlife precincts and a destination for authentic food and culture, this SEP will allow Burwood Council to build on our existing work to increase our nightlife offerings, and continue to enhance Burwood as a thriving cultural and entertainment destination for all.
Bounded by Burwood Road, Railway Parade, Conder Street, and Belmore Street, the Burwood Town Centre SEP includes three vibrant blocks with anchor premises like Burwood Chinatown, Emerald Square and other unique eateries.
Burwood is Australia’s fifth most diverse community, and features some of Sydney’s best cuisine, from hawker-style street food at Burwood Chinatown, to renowned surrounding restaurants and cafes.
Burwood’s SEP is about highlighting local talent, embracing a variety of cultural expressions, and continuing to create spaces that truly reflect the heart and soul of our Burwood community. Burwood already has a strong night-time economy supported by an ambitious strategy, Burwood After Dark.
The NSW Government funding will support strategic planning, developing acoustic frameworks for sound management and community consultation. Burwood Council aims to establish the trial phase of our SEP by the end of 2025.
Burwood Mayor John Faker said of the decision, “I'm thrilled that Burwood has received funding through the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant Program. This achievement marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing efforts to foster innovative entertainment experiences like vibrant night markets, lively busking, and dynamic performances that truly reflect the spirit of our local community.”
He added, “This milestone wouldn't have been possible without the consistent support from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport and Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, whose commitment has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.”
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.
“What works in Enmore will look very different to what works in Burwood, Fairfield or Tamworth.
“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, markets and retail.”