The City of Sydney Is Closing Down Streets to Use for Al Fresco Dining This Summer
Streets in Surry Hills, Glebe, Redfern, Darlinghurst and Pyrmont will all be closed to traffic from 11am till late evening for one day each this summer.
The City of Sydney is expanding its outdoor dining program by closing down a set of inner-city streets to be used for al fresco dining throughout summer. Several streets in suburbs such as Redfern, Glebe and Darlinghurst will be shut across a number of summer weekends, all to encourage people to visit local restaurants and bars.
The Summer Streets program will make its way around the city throughout January and February, popping up in different spots to close the streets to cars from 11am until late for a day of COVID-safe al fresco dining and drinks. The first weekend of the program will kick off on Darlinghurst Road and Macleay Street on Saturday, January 22, before moving over to Redfern Street on Sunday, January 23. Following this, Crown Street in Surry Hills, Glebe Point Road and Pyrmont's Harris Street will all host their own Summer Streets events.
"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," City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
"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 Sunshine Inn on Redfern Street, Cassandra Leticia Almeida.
Green Square Plaza will also be getting in on the fun, hosting a nighttime-only extension of Summer Streets from 6pm on Saturday, February 19.
Venues on the participating streets are being encouraged to spice things up during their suburbs' applicable day by adding specials deals to the menu or holding one-off events. "I think Summer Streets is a great initiative where we can get out on the street and share with everyone who we are and what we do," says Boxing Works gym owner Larry Papadopoulos.
"We're really excited to be part of the event and we'll be offering free sessions and membership discounts for anyone joining on the day."
The program is part of the City fo Sydney's $12 million COVID-19 recovery plan for businesses, in conjunction with the NSW Government's multimillion-dollar Festival of Place program.
Summer Streets will close down streets in Surry Hills, Glebe, Redfern, Darlinghurst and Pyrmont across four weekends between Saturday, January 22–Saturday, February 19.
Top image: Leticia Almeida
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