In a dig at Sydney, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Melbourne’s night-life was part of its identity.An expert committee has recommended the council take new steps to grow its night time economy, which businesses say is a massive growth area and ideal for revitalising the CBD after successive lockdowns.The committee has called for extended opening hours for shops and venues and a new marketing campaign to keep people hanging around after work.Introducing new public events and street displays would also encourage commuters to stay in the city or make the trip in.The decision to focus on Melbourne’s as a “twilight city” was called for by industries linked to the night-time economy.These groups also wanted a state government minister with oversight of the concept.“Melbourne really is a magical place after dark – and unlike Sydney, our night-life is part of our identity and what attracts people into the city,” Ms Capp said.“The Committee has done a tremendous job in collaborating and recommending solutions to boost our twilight economy. “We look forward to considering new ways of supporting businesses who operate around the clock – and backing the thousands of jobs they create.“With Moomba, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Grand Prix coming up, it’s the perfect time to ensure more people can enjoy our city day or night.” It is estimated that before the pandemic, Melbourne’s night time economy was the fastest growing in Australia and brought in $3.5 billion evert year.Councillor Roshena Campbell, who leads the portfolio of city activation, said it was vital to make sure businesses could start and grow as easily as possible.“Cutting the red tape that strangles new businesses and new ideas has to be a priority so Melbourne can thrive again,” she said.Council will consider the ideas at its next meeting on Tuesday.In the first week that office workers were encouraged to come back, February 28 to March 3, pedestrian activity at Southbank rose by 9 per cent from the week before The biggest jump was on March 3, when activity was up by a fifth compared to the previous Thursday.Activity around Lygon St was unchanged and Chinatown was slightly down from last week, but movement’s were 34 per cent higher than the same time in 2021.The return of midweek Melbourne Money also provided a boost between March 7 and 9. Chinatown and Southbank both recorded small increases in activity.
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