Labor councillors push for Midtown special entertainment precinct to boost Newcastle nightlife

8 March 2026

newy.com.au – Labor councillors will move to begin planning work to establish Midtown Newcastle as a Special Entertainment Precinct, in a bid to support live music venues, small bars and the city’s growing night-time economy.

Labor candidate for Lord Mayor Declan Clausen joined NSW Minister for the Night Time Economy John Graham, state member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Labor councillor Paige Johnson and Midtown business owners to discuss how Newcastle City Council, the NSW Government and venue operators could work together to strengthen the city’s after-dark economy.

Labor councillors will bring a Notice of Motion to Newcastle City Council on Tuesday night seeking to begin the process of establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in the Midtown area.

Special Entertainment Precincts were introduced by the NSW Government as part of its vibrancy reforms, allowing councils to designate areas where trading hours and sound conditions can be managed locally to encourage live performances and support nightlife precincts.

The motion calls for council staff to prepare a report examining the feasibility and implications of declaring Midtown a Special Entertainment Precinct, including potential benefits for live music, hospitality and creative industries, as well as the impacts for residents and businesses.

Midtown, centred around Steel and Union Streets between King Street and Hunter Street, has emerged as one of Newcastle’s busiest cultural districts, with a cluster of live music venues, bars and creative businesses including Charlie’s Rooftop, Bernie’s Bar, Rogue Scholar, Mad Poet, Koutetsu and the King Street Hotel.

Cr Clausen said the proposal reflected Newcastle’s growing reputation as a city supporting culture, creativity and small business.

“I won’t let Newcastle go the way of Sydney where the night time economy has been sacrificed to accommodate noise complaints for wealthy residents who can afford to live close to the CBD. I want Newcastle to be a place where young people and families can enjoy the best night time venues.”

“Midtown has become one of the most exciting cultural precincts in Newcastle, with live music, small venues and independent businesses creating a unique atmosphere,” Cr Clausen said.

“This motion is about setting clear expectations for residents and businesses. If you move next door to an existing live music venue or bar in Midtown, then you should expect there to be young people enjoying themselves.

“Cities that thrive in the future will be cities that support live music, creativity and local entrepreneurs. Midtown shows what’s possible when the community and small businesses work together.”

Mr Graham said the NSW Government supported initiatives aimed at growing local night-time economies.

“Declan Clausen has long been an advocate for Newcastle’s night-time economy and understands the role live music and hospitality play in building vibrant cities,” Minister Graham said.

“The NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms are designed to support exactly this kind of local leadership, helping cities like Newcastle grow their after-dark economy while maintaining strong planning safeguards.”

Cr Clausen said the motion would allow council to undertake further investigation and consultation before any decision was made.

“This is about doing the work properly,” he said.

“Exploring a Special Entertainment Precinct is a practical step that could help support local venues and artists while providing certainty for residents, businesses, and venue operators.

“It means engaging with the community and businesses in Midtown so we can strengthen Newcastle’s night-time economy while maintaining the great quality of life people expect from our city.”

Mr Crakanthorp said establishing a Special Entertainment Precinct would help build on Newcastle’s growing reputation as a destination for nightlife and live music.

“I’ve always backed a stronger night-time economy for Newcastle, and establishing a SEP is the clear next step. Working alongside Declan and Paige to progress a Midtown SEP shows what constructive leadership across tiers of government looks like.”

Cr Johnson said Midtown had proven itself as an important hub for entertainment and hospitality.

“Declan and I are moving this motion because Midtown has proven itself as a thriving hub for entertainment, creativity, music and hospitality in Newcastle, that has gone from strength to strength,” Cr Johnson said.

“Now is the right time to start the conversation with the community about land use in this geographically small but important precinct that is critical for a vibrant night-time economy in Newcastle.”

If the motion passes on Tuesday, council staff will begin preliminary engagement with residents, businesses, venue operators and government agencies, with stakeholders to present to councillors at a future public briefing.