Decision details

2020/552571

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Committee endorse the temporary road closure timings for The Rocks Markets area on George Street, The Rocks, by Place Management NSW (PMNSW) for outdoor dining opportunities for tenants and extended Rocks Markets operations during Christmas and new year period.

Voting Members for this Item

Advice

The Committee unanimously supported the recommendation.

Background

PMNSW has partnering with Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) and the City of Sydney (CoS) to deliver an outdoor dining pilot that will streamline outdoor alcohol licensing requirements for venues. The Rocks hotels and restaurants have been put forwardas the initial priority focus to trial new regulations to assist local tenants in The Rocks for extended trading.

There are opportunities for The Mercantile Hotel on George St The Rocks to trade on each Friday evenings in December and January. The Rocks Markets operations currently closes the road each weekend from Sat 4am till Sun at 10pm and during some public holidays.

PMNSW is requesting the LPCTCC endorsement to close the George St markets area 12hrs earlier at 4pm on Friday afternoons on 11th, 15th Dec and 1st Jan.

The Rocks area outdoor dining program is swelling and meeting objectives by Government for jobs creation and the economy recovery.

Location - George St between Lower Fort Street and Hickson Road (The Rocks Markets Area)

Dates proposed:

December

Friday 11th December at 4pm till Saturday 12th at 4am - (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm)

Friday 18th December at 4pm till Saturday 19th at 4am - (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm).

January

Friday 1st January at 4am till Saturday 2nd Jan at 4am, being a continuation of the NYE closure. (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm).

Friday 8th January at 4pm till Saturday 19th at 4am - (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm).

Friday 15th January at 4pm till Saturday 19th at 4am - (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm).

Friday 22nd January at 4pm till Saturday 19th at 4am - (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm).

Friday 29th January at 4pm till Saturday 19th at 4am - (The Rocks Markets closure applies at Sat 4am till Sun 10pm).

Comments

The proposed closures for the hotels, markets and restaurants of The Rocks are to provide greater opportunity for social distancing, increased patronage and active public space in a period when small business operators in the area are experiencing significant financial impact due to the COVID pandemic. This provides opportunities for existing business operators to expand their offerings and pursue opportunities through NSW Government assets, which contributes to the broader NSW economic recovery efforts.

The proposal will change timings and operations of the normal Rocks Markets traffic conditions and surrounding road network for the period of operations.

The local access arrangements to tenants, mail zone and loading zones will be managed by traffic controllers who will be programmed for the period of closures. Access for authorised vehicles will be provided at both the North and South closure areas.

Consultation

Place Management NSW has consulted and notified adjacent properties, business and stakeholder of the intention to implement the temporary works. Millers Point Action Group and Walsh Bay Precinct Association will be advised as per normal processes. Enquiries and feedback directed to the Director, Partnerships, Activation and Customer Experience at Place Management NSW.

PMNSW continue to work closely and consult with NSW Police, TfNSW, CSTTC, and City of Sydney and Port Authority NSW on this activity.

Financial

All costs associated with the parking spaces, signs, traffic controllers, Rangers, road barriers and accessible ramps has and will been borne by PMNSW.

JASON CRAIG, SENIOR MANAGER, SECURITY OPERATIONS,

PLACE MANAGEMENT NSW