From live music and cultural events to evening dining and community gatherings, local residents have consistently told Kiama Municipal Council they want more reasons to stay, connect and enjoy the town centre after dark.
A key action from the recently adopted Kiama After Dark Strategy, Council has endorsed a package of planning documents that will now be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
Council is seeking a Gateway Determination to progress a proposed Kiama Town Centre Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP). The endorsed package includes a Planning Proposal, Precinct Management Plan, Sound Management Framework and amendments to the Kiama Local Environmental Plan and Kiama Development Control Plan.
The proposed SEP covers Kiama's commercial, hospitality and cultural heart, including the Terralong Street retail and hospitality precinct, Manning Street hospitality area, Hindmarsh Park and Orry-Kelly Stage, the Kiama Train Station precinct, existing licensed venues, restaurants, cafés and bars, and community facilities, including the Library and Old Fire Station Community Arts Centre.
The boundary and sound methodology have been designed to focus activity in areas already characterised by commercial uses, lower residential density, existing after-dark activity and higher background sound levels, while reducing potential impacts on nearby residents.
To help balance vibrancy with residential amenity, the Precinct Management Plan identifies three Sound Category Areas, developed using detailed acoustic modelling and advice from independent specialists. Each area has tailored sound management controls that reflect its existing character, surrounding land uses and desired level of activation.
Importantly, Council's endorsement does not establish a SEP. It allows the proposal to progress to the next stage of the planning process. If a Gateway Determination is issued, the proposal will be placed on public exhibition, allowing residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders to review the documents and provide feedback before Council considers its final decision.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the proposal responds to community feedback and keeps the conversation moving.
"This proposal didn't appear overnight. It builds on years of discussion about Kiama's after-dark economy and extensive consultation undertaken through the Kiama After Dark Strategy," he said.
"What we heard was that people love Kiama's character, but many residents, businesses and visitors would like more reasons to stay in town after dark, whether that's live music, dining, cultural experiences, family-friendly activities or community events.
"Council has now endorsed the documents to move to the next stage, but the process is far from finished. The proposal will be independently assessed by the Department of Planning, and if it progresses, the community will have another opportunity to review the details and provide feedback."
Chair of Council's Tourism and Economic Advisory Committee, Councillor Matt Brown, said a SEP has been supported by the committee and Destination Kiama partners for many years, and is one of the key actions identified through the After Dark Strategy adopted by Council in September.
"The consultation results for Kiama After Dark were clear," he said.
"The people of Kiama want to see more happening in the town centre after dark, and while a SEP doesn't automatically create live music, events or late-night trading, it can provide the framework and level of certainty for businesses, venues and investors to invest in those opportunities.
"The proposed two-year trial is particularly important because it allows us to test the approach and, if required, modify sound levels, trading hours and the precinct boundary to make sure it is right for Kiama."
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney MP, welcomed the progress made through the NSW Government-funded project.
"The NSW Government's investment through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has allowed Kiama Council to undertake the planning, technical studies and community engagement needed to explore new opportunities for the town centre," she said.
"I've been a strong advocate for growing the night-time economy and would love to see more local businesses thrive after dark - as we head into the next stage of the process to get the trial underway I encourage everyone to get involved and continue to provide their feedback and ideas."
If the DPHI issues a Gateway Determination, Council will undertake further consultation with relevant government agencies and place all draft SEP documents on public exhibition, including the Planning Proposal, Precinct Management Plan, Sound Management Framework and draft DCP amendments.
Residents, businesses, property owners and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback before Council considers any final decision.
Learn more about what a SEP will mean for business, residents and the community on Council's website: yoursay.kiama.nsw.gov.au/sep
Project Acknowledgement: The Kiama After Dark Strategy and proposed SEP documentation were developed with the assistance of Reactivate Consulting, Studio GL, JR&Co and Marshall Day Acoustics, and proudly funded by the NSW Government's Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
