Sydney, Australia
Uptown Accelerator
Reinvigorating Sydney’s neon grid.
For the last 2 years, the NSW State Government has implemented the Uptown Accelerator, an eight-week capacity-building program to support the development of vibrant nightlife across Greater Sydney. Meck has acted as sub-consultant to Reactivate Consulting and partnered with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy to define and implement the program with emphasis on creating place-based visions for local high streets, business chambers and passionate business owners.
Australia’s First Business-Led Improvement Districts, the Sydney Way
The Accelerator has been designed to fast-track the formation of local business communities and facilitate their evolution in line with the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy for Greater Sydney. It’s a business accelerator format for those committed to collaboration and place-based story-telling, and the program offers successful applicants an eight-week sprint to fully realise a vision for their district, as well as the know-how to market and pitch for business partners and sponsorships.
A 24-Hour City Full of Self Sufficient Districts
In 2022, the program transformed 23 districts into vibrant going out hubs and 372 connections were built between districts and potential partners. 21 districts successfully applied to receive up to $200,000 each in seed funding under the Uptown Grant Program. A similar result was achieved in 2023.
Images Source: NSW Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
A More Vibrant City
In the post-Covid city, the trial has inspired positive action across local and state governments. Recent statewide reforms, address six major areas currently affecting nightlife, including noise complaint laws, coordinated entertainment precincts, outdoor drinking legislation, the nighttime economy/workers and licencing laws.
Location
Sydney, Australia
Scale
Small
Client
NSW Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
Collaborators/Donors
Reactivate