ADELAIDE AFTER DARK A SUBMISSION TO THE CITIZENS JURY

Transcription

1 ADELAIDE AFTER DARK A SUBMISSION TO THE CITIZENS JURY July

2 Introduction There is life in a city after dark. A city doesn t shut down after 5pm, people are looking for things to do and places to go. The strength, vibrancy and safety of a city s night economy are a measure of its cultural diversity and maturity. Our city streets should be vibrant and exciting places that enable unique experiences for residents and visitors. It s vital that the city offers diverse activities which are designed for a range of age groups. People are entitled to enjoy our entertainment areas and our streets without the threat of violence or abuse. The State Government is working with Adelaide City Council and the community to develop strategies and initiatives to achieve a healthier, more vibrant and safer city. Background and Context In 2012, the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Jay Weatherill, announced seven strategic priorities for the State Government (Figure 1). Two of these priorities, Creating a Vibrant City and Safe Communities, Healthy Neighbourhoods, both have an impact on how people live, work and interact with the city environment. The concept of vibrancy and safety are intrinsically linked as evidenced during peak periods of attendance at Adelaide s many festivals and events when participation numbers increase and rate of crime decreases. The challenge of developing a vibrant and safe night time economy is finding new and innovative ways of bringing diverse concepts, people and activities together. Therefore, one key focus will be how to keep more people in the city outside of the traditional business hours. Almost 200,000 people visit the Adelaide CBD during each work day, yet this number dwindles to less than 20 per cent of that figure after 5pm during the week. Providing even a small percentage of those people with a compelling reason to remain in the city for a few hours during the evening will have a significant impact on the night time economy and the vibrancy and safety of our city. Figure 1: Seven strategic priorities of the Government of South Australia 2

3 Our vision - Adelaide is one of the great small cities of the world. Places are defined by people. To attract more people, the Vibrant City initiative is focusing on: More people living in our city More people to work in our city More investment in our city More people visiting and spending time in our city Key initiatives include: Increasing the city s residential population, developing the Riverbank Precinct and the North Terrace Health precincts, activating city laneways and facilitating growth of the city-based 'creative economy'. New Small Venue License legislation has also enabled the quicker establishment of venues of up to a 120 person in unique spaces, making our city a more entertaining place to visit. For a snap-shot of some of the exciting initiatives that are transforming our city check out the attached Adelaide information booklet or visit Our vision - Communities thrive when people are able to come together in safe, inviting public spaces and when our environment encourages healthy living and well-being. The focus on Safe Communities, Healthy Neighbourhoods reflects the priorities of the community. Feeling Safe was the number one priority identified by the community in recent consultations about South Australia s Strategic Plan. Key initiatives include: development of social marketing campaigns to promote responsible drinking, Operation Street Safe, Late Night Trading Code of Practice, Crime Prevention and Community Safety Grants and managed taxi ranks. For a snapshot of the exciting initiatives being achieved refer to the attached Safe Communities, Healthy Neighborhoods booklet or visit 3

4 Getting the Conversation Started One of the key pieces of work required when developing a culture of vibrancy and safety is to explore how a balance of regulation and creativity can support and enable a thriving Adelaide nightlife. In pursuing this, the State Government, the Adelaide City Council, the Capital City Committee and key stakeholders have sought to engage with business and the wider community to ignite and identify ideas about how this might be achieved. During 2013, two significant public consultation events have been held to initiate the conversation; the Growing Adelaide s Evening Economy Forum (Capital City Committee) and the Adelaide After Dark Forum (a joint Creating a Vibrant City 1 and Safe Communities and Healthy Neighbourhoods 2 initiative). Both forums attracted capacity audiences and targeted specific groups within the community, in the hopes of encouraging new and innovative ways of stimulating a safe and vibrant city after dark. Growing Adelaide s Evening Economy Forum TUESDAY 16 APRIL 2013 / THE SCIENCE EXCHANGE, 55 EXCHANGE PLACE, ADELAIDE Hosted by the Capital City Committee, which is a partnership between the South Australian Government and the Adelaide City Council, this forum focused on growing Adelaide s night-time economy by encouraging people to linger longer in the city. The day-long forum brought together more than 100 representatives from a broad spectrum of the South Australian community, including retail, hospitality, the arts, culture, tourism, education, recreation and transport. The forum was attended by the Premier, Jay Weatherill and Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor, Stephen Yarwood. Forum participants agreed that while governments played a pivotal role in cities, they must work with business and the community to further boost Adelaide s night-time economy. They acknowledged that Adelaide City s night-time economy was a major employer - particularly in cafes, restaurants and take-away outlets, with potential for jobs growth in the creative and performing arts sector. Many of the ideas discussed at the forum were about capitalising on the major projects and new developments that will draw people into the city such as the Adelaide Oval redevelopment, the redevelopment of the Riverbank precinct and the North Terrace Health precincts, activated laneways and pop-up venues. A common theme throughout discussions was the value of partnerships between state and local government, business and the community. Please refer to Attachment 2 for the two reports summarising the key ideas generated by the forum. 1 Led by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure 2 Led by the Attorney Generals Department 4

5 Adelaide After Dark Forum THURSDAY 13 JUNE 2013 / PEEL STREET, ADELAIDE / PM If there was one thing you could say to the Premier about how can we create a more vibrant and safer Adelaide nightlife, what would it be? This was the question posed by Jemma Schilling, the recently appointed Catalyst for HUB Adelaide, to more than 80 young people from the target group of 18 to 30 year olds. Opened by Deputy Premier John Rau, the forum invited attendees to participate in an open discussion aimed at developing themes that could shape future policy and action for a more vibrant and safe city. To achieve this, the forum sought input from attendees identifying strengths, weaknesses, issues and opportunities of Adelaide s night time economy. The conversation investigated what is currently working and what is not, what are the initiatives and platforms that already exist in Adelaide and what more is required to make the city more vibrant and safer without diminishing the fun and excitement that should exist in a modern, progressive city. The forum brought together experienced professionals, young entrepreneurs, university and TAFE students, creative industries rising stars, government employees, local council employees, the Sammy D Foundation and local business owners to participate in the discussion. The three key topics emerging from the Adelaide After Dark forum were: 1) Increasing late night transport options 2) Creative use of social media and marketing campaigns that capture the culture and personality of the Adelaide CBD 3) A collaborative Night Time Economy strategy for the Adelaide CBD (A full list of forum outcomes is detailed in Attachment 3) 5

6 THEME 1 Increasing late night transport options Public transport after dark was a key topic discussed as one of the solutions for late night vibrancy and safety. It was considered highly desirable to provide a late-night alternative to driving for residents and visitors enjoying our vibrant entertainment districts. This issue recently received attention as a result of the scheduled commencement of the Late Night Code of Practice for licensed venues in October Current programs include: Four Premium City Central After Midnight bus stops. These stops have upgraded lighting, CCTV and a regular police presence. Special bus services are available on a Saturday night. Potential programs include: Extending the Rome Zone and Gawler Dial-a-ride programs. Barriers: Funding and coordination Key Players: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Adelaide City Council, SA Police, Taxi Association, Creating a Vibrant City. 6

7 THEME 2 Creative use of social media and marketing campaigns that capture the culture and personality of the Adelaide CBD Community, ownership and improved marketing for the city were common threads of the forum discussion. The rationale behind this concept is that a city that is brought together by community and collaboration is perceived to be a safer community. Forum attendees discussed how people could be better connected in the city through raising awareness of what is available including events, arts spaces and places to visit. Key Players: Adelaide City Council, SA Tourism Commission, Creating a Vibrant City, local designers, artists and journalists. 7

8 THEME 3 A collaborative Night Time Economy strategy for the Adelaide CBD There was unanimous support for the development of an Adelaide Night Time Economy Strategy which is coordinated with all stakeholders. Open communication and cooperation across stakeholders will facilitate better and more lasting outcomes. Potential programs include: Making it easier to establish small businesses to attract a broader range of people to work in and visit the city. The use of creative lighting to influence the way people feel about their environment. Support for more recreational activities in the city that are not focused on alcohol and that attract a greater diversity of users. Key Players: Adelaide City Council, Capital City Committee, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, SA Police 8

9 Next Steps Establishing a safe and vibrant CBD after dark has emerged as a key focus for both the State Government and the Adelaide City Council, who will work together over the coming months to develop a Night Time Economy strategy. In doing so, both the Government and Council will seek to engage further with the community in the hope of developing a robust and innovative strategy. Key Contacts John Hanlon Deputy Chief Executive Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Phone: john.hanlon@sa.gov.au Rick Persse Chief Executive Attorney Generals Department Phone: rick.persse@sa.gov.au Georgina Vasilevski Director, Planning Performance and Culture Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Phone: georgina.vasilevski@sa.gov.au Ruth Ambler Executive Director, Strategic Policy and Organisational Performance Attorney Generals Department Phone: ruth.ambler@sa.gov.au 9

10 ATTACHMENT 1: Creating a Vibrant City booklet For a copy visit: 10

11 ATTACHMENT 2: Safe Communities, Healthy Neighbourhoods booklet For a copy visit: D%20for%20external%20audiences/safe-communities-healthy-neighbourhoods-booklet.pdf 11

12 ATTACHMENT 3 - Growing Adelaide s Evening Economy Forum Reports For a copy visit: 5pm to 8pm: 8pm to late: 12

13 ATTACHMENT 4: Feedback from Adelaide After Dark Forum 13 June 2013 If you could tell the Premier of South Australia one idea about how to make Adelaide more vibrant and safer, what would it be? Real long term cooperation and collaboration between the City Council and the State Government. Not treating people who do make these things happen themselves in the city feel like criminals that need watching over. It s demoralising. There is more to our After Dark Economy than alcohol. Improve public transport - Safety - Reliability - Extended hours More exceptional, world-class, interesting, astounding arts activity for a younger demographic. There exists a green belt that is a barrier to the city. Encourage family in the city. A variety of ages. Consult with people who don t generally engage with the government. Concerts in Elder Park. Fix the parking!! We are a cashless society. Visible presence. Encourage people on to the streets. Personally connect. Electronic billboards with events. Cheap Tuesday concept. Safety in numbers. Define safety - is it numbers? - Is it lighting? - Is it health? Lights it s very dark (South Tce Sturt Street). Live areas vs dark unsafe areas Planned pedestrian corridors City is overregulated lighting in and out of the city lack of public transport What is being done? - Street link youth services - Safe injection houses - Adelaide is too conservative? - Health promotion funding has been reduced. Update on street parking to reflect a cashless society. Bread and butter for business owners. Keep precincts growing. Sick of people bagging Adelaide. Shifting people s mentality. Linked to the economy Adelaide needs to define its personality. Stimulate small business investment. The city s personality is what happens after dark. Small bars / easing regulations. Connect our communities! More marketing and support for the events that already exist (websites like Splash, more mags like Rip it Up!) 13

14 Get cars out of the city. No worse view sitting anywhere breathing fumes. More buses with wi-fi TV advertising for the Arts. More stuff open that is not for drinking. Please incorporate more frequent late night public transport to all locations so I can do my work experience. Thank you. (x4) Pill testing. Utilise open spaces and provide funding/support for food trucks/street entertainment. Diversitise [sic] the Adelaide night economy from alcohol at 20%. More diverse business/venues to encourage a more diverse age range particularly in Hindley Street. Help Format re-open (and support DIY artist-run culture). More diversity and families out on the street. People sitting at café tables outside vacancies [?] more. Less red tape More ARI funding Large venues should be held accountable for the behaviour of their patrons and for the responsible service of alcohol, not just harsher rules and hoops for all bars to jump through. Need a plaza or place to chill between drinking/after pubs and clubs close. Having somewhere for musicians to play at night means they make $ to put back into the economy. Breaks barriers Adelaide is the leader of alcohol consumption per capita as part of late night economy Most social creatures on earth. Continued and increased funding to artist run initiatives and explore red tape reduction further. People want to be in public places. App listing all business and venues all businesses. ACC to coordinate. Entertainment, responsible club owners. Community and collective ownership of place. Appreciation and education. The sale of alcohol could dictate the late night economy. Nightclubs aren t about drinking. Increased funding to initiatives and relaxed red tape to allow [nil entered] Support artists. How: transport. Tricky issue!! Why: economic support hospitality industry. Tougher on irresponsible venues crack down! Sustain the momentum. Small bar licenses adding things to do other than getting drunk! Fringe is awesome safe and vibrant (how to grow?) Cracking down on non-compliant businesses. City planning publications. Public transport after 11pm. Activate public spaces at night and the day. Your next campaign is called know someone from Adelaide. Hire a charismatic young person from Adelaide that you know. Make him/her the face of your advertising your ads form this person s guide to 14

15 events and businesses that would otherwise remain hidden. Lends well to Twitter, etc. Transport Creating jobs Open up the parklands. Link the city to the suburbs. Government needs to walk the talk not just talk the talk. Support new business with $$ and mentorship. Waive taxes temporarily for new business. Safe, regular, reliable public transport and/or cheaper parking at night (for those people that don t drink). Cultural and social exchange Economy Jobs Tourism Entertainment More frequent public transport. Open night events by business and creative hubs. Longer shopping hours in the city. No Clipsal people feel unsafe during this event. Synthetic vibrancy isn t a thing. Create the conditions for vibrancy to happen organically. Also, stop using the word vibrancy, it s dumb/meaningless. More live/art workspaces. Fund more artist-run initiatives artists create culture, audiences, ideas and fun times Make Adelaide safer at night educate our youth! Pop-up bars/restaurants Finding tangible ways to create a sense of community and industry amongst a broad range of industries: arts, government, business, etc Pokies introduction was the death of many live music venues in the 1990s City is designed for people by a younger demographic. Less live music because of pokies. Active engagement. Not all about closed venues. Funding and deregulation for small arts-run spaces. Having small newspapers that take 20 minutes to read to become informed. Wide variety of activities ask the community what they want! Broaden the scope. Free transport. More inclusive comfy spaces. Low cost activities. Provide a safe environment with less prohibitive parking restrictions. ELIMINATION OF HIGH RISK! In order for people to be creative and entrepreneurial, there needs to be less risk with investing in business (i.e. leasing costs are too high!) Find ways to work better with people and support them to make the place great, instead of doing it for them. 15

16 Better public transport or transport in general (incl. Taxis, etc). Enable start ups commerce, local and state government to innovate and deliver ideas re vibrancy. Better transport Better connectivity between the popular areas of the city (i.e. Gouger Street, Hutt Street, The East End, Hindley Street, etc). More events. Easier regulations so we can have more pop-up events that are community focused. Better policing of non-compliant licensed venues. Diverse mix of hospitality operations. 16