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.
For more information on the Night-Time Economy Advisory Committee, visit the City of Melbourne’s website.
Quotes attributable to Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
“Melbourne is the events and entertainment capital of Australia. Pre-pandemic, Melbourne was Australia's fastest growing night-time economy – generating $3.5 billion every year and supporting 31,000 jobs.
“Our Night-Time Economy Advisory Committee has been critical in shaping our response to the pandemic, informing and supporting the rejuvenation of our CBD and breathing new life into Melbourne.
“We’re proud to support the committee as they continue their great work to build on our night-time economy, making it the envy of Australia.”
Quotes attributable to City Activation portfolio lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
“Melbourne’s night-time economy was decimated by COVID and we are committed to making it come roaring back. Many Melburnians are nostalgic for our great night venues but we need to do more to encourage both locals and visitors into the city after dark.
“Melburnians are re-embracing our city at night with consumer spending up 33 per cent from February where it was valued at $223 million to $297 million in April. But there is clearly more to be done to ensure city businesses recover from the past two years and to ensure our night-time economy grows into the future.”