The City of Melbourne’s Policy for the 24 Hour City comes at a pivotal time. Over the past decade the city has attracted a diverse and vibrant mix of residents, visitors and business using the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Melbourne’s vibrant night time economy is a major contributor to its status as a world leading cultural city. However, as the city stays awake longer, there is a need to make policy and operational decisions to manage the competing needs of visitors, residents and workers.
The key aim of the 24 Hour City policy is to balance increasing activities over the 24 hour cycle with regulation. This in turn promotes a safe, vibrant and inclusive city as it moves from the day into the night.
The 24 hour city policy does not seek to create an environment that supports continuous, high level activities throughout the entire day and night. The policy recognises that the city progresses through different rhythms over the course of 24 hours. The policy also recognises that the city is home to residents, many of whom need to sleep during this time, even while activity takes place.
Priorities for action
The City of Melbourne’s Policy for the 24 Hour City was developed through extensive consultation with our partners and the community. It identifies four priorities for action:
- Activation and cultural context
- Infrastructure
- Regulation
- Partnerships
Download the City of Melbourne’s Policy for the 24 Hour City:
24 Hour City policy (PDF, 896kb) 
24 Hour City policy (text only, 202kb)