Melbourne is buzzing after dark as foot traffic and consumer spending reaches a two-year high, providing a boost for city businesses.
City of Melbourne data shows average night-time activity on Lygon Street was at 104.1 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in April, peaking at 120.3 per cent of 2019 levels on Sunday 10 April.
Southbank reached 94 per cent of the pre-COVID benchmark in March, and regularly exceeded March 2019 levels on weekends.
Night-time activity in Chinatown is also on the rise for April, particularly between Monday and Thursday – reaching 73 per cent of the pre-COVID benchmark.
To capitalise on the surge in activity after dark, City of Melbourne councillors will consider extending the term of the Night-Time Economy Advisory Committee at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
Since its creation in June 2021, the committee has contributed to a number of key initiatives, including:
- The Melbourne Money and Midweek Melbourne Money programs, recommending a focus on weekday trading and offering diners a larger rebate.
- Project Night Justice, which delivered the Night Safety Summit, and Night Safety Charter and Toolkit to improve the safety of women and other vulnerable groups as nightlife reopens following the pandemic.
- A collective vision statement with five key priorities to reignite the night-time economy and entice people into the CBD, including extended opening hours, increased activations and a new marketing campaign to keep more people in the city after work.
- Advocacy to the Victorian Government around the introduction of a health pass system to reopen venues sooner after lockdowns.
If endorsed, the committee’s term will be extended for a further 12 months.
