The City of Sydney is Going Al Fresco With New Summer Streets Program

Sydney, Australia - March 18, 2015: Patrons at the historic Clock Hotel at dusk, located on Crown St in Surry Hills.

As reported in Concrete Playground, Surry Hills, Glebe, Redfern, Darlinghurst, and Pyrmont will be closing their streets to traffic over a number of weekends this summer, from 11am until late, to make way for al fresco wining and dining.

The initiative is an expansion of the City of Sydney’s outdoor dining program, part its $12 million COVID-19 recovery plan for business, and part of the NSW Government’s multimillion-dollar Festival of Place program.

By encouraging people to visit local bars and restaurants, the Summer Streets program aims to safely revitalise City of Sydney’s hospitality industry which has been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

Participating businesses are encouraged to lean into the occasion with promotions and one-off events.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “Being able to shop, dine or drink on our footpaths and roadways make it easier for us to enjoy those things and support local businesses in a COVID-safe way.” 

“Expanding outdoor dining remains an essential part of what we’re doing to support business through these challenging times. People want to get out of the house and enjoy what Sydney has to offer, safely.”

“We’re now closing off entire streets and hope the extra space will give people a safe way to support local businesses and re-engage with their community.”

The Summer Streets program will make its way to each of the suburbs over four weekends, kicking off this Saturday, 22 January, on Darlinghurst Road and Macleay Street, followed by Redfern Street on Sunday, 23 January.

Crown Street in Surry Hills, Glebe Point Road and Harris Street in Pyrmont will then take their turn as hosts to respective al fresco events.

Summer Streets ends on February 19, with festivities extending to Green Square Plaza for a nighttime allowance starting at 6pm.

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