If a Sydneysider hasn’t been to Haymarket in the last couple of years, what would surprise them about it now?
-Q & A Interview with *Kevin Cheng
*Kevin Chng (Manager,Haymarket Community Improvement District (CID) Pilot & Panel Member, Haymarket Alliance Panel – Multicultural Advisory Panel, City of Sydney
Sydney City News/ST Food Guide/Posted 15 July,2026
INTERVIEW
-What has changed in Haymarket?
The narrative for Chinatown and broader Haymarket has changed from one of decline to a vibrant and buzzing precinct, especially at night-time, with strong economic activity.
Haymarket’s average weekly spend continues to be the leading area of the selected high street areas covered in the City of Sydney’s economic report with:
- $13.03 million average weekly spend (from Jan to March 2026). This is more than double any other high street area (Potts Point next)
- 7.6% year-on-year increase in weekly spend
What would likely surprise people most is just how cohesive and vibrant the precinct has become after dark, throughout the week and across the seasons – not just at popular moments like Vivid and Lunar New Year. Haymarket has always had incredible culture and energy, but now there’s a stronger sense of connection between its hot spots from Chinatown and Thaitown to Darling Square and the Capitol Theatre. Visitors will notice more curated experiences, longer trading hours, and a steady calendar of events that give people more reasons to stay out and explore.
Friends enjoy delicious food during a Chinatown Street Food and Stories Tour Haymarket with Local Sauce Tours, Haymarket
-The Uptown District Acceleration Program aims to bring local businesses together – what impact is this having in Haymarket?
The biggest impact has been shifting the dynamic from competition to collaboration. The program, delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, has helped unify different cultures and businesses around a shared vision for Haymarket, turning individual offerings into a collective experience.
Through the Accelerator phase, businesses have worked together to define what makes Haymarket unique. With funding support delivered in round 1 and round 2 of the Uptown Grant Program, we’ve established a new brand and channels, and delivered joint campaigns and activations that encourage people to visit, stay longer, and explore more of the precinct.
Friends enjoy delicious food during a Chinatown Street Food and Stories Tour Haymarket with Local Sauce Tours, Haymarket
Having a coordinated calendar of events and promotions also reduces the risk for businesses to pilot new ideas. Over time, this builds a stronger, self-sustaining district where businesses actively support each other.
-What does the Purple Flag accreditation mean for Chinatown in Haymarket?
Purple Flag accreditation is an internationally recognised benchmark that positions Chinatown in Haymarket as a welcoming, vibrant and well-managed night-time destination, placing it alongside leading global cities. It assesses precincts against things like wellbeing, movement, appeal, place and strategic alignment.
For Haymarket, it increases the precinct’s visibility as a high-quality destination, strengthens collaboration between local businesses, the community and government, and supports ongoing improvements through grant funding. It validates the hard work from local businesses and community leaders across the precinct.
Couple enjoys delicious food during a Chinatown Street Food and Stories Tour Haymarket with Local Sauce Tours, Haymarket
-Haymarket is proposed to be part of a small number of trial Special Entertainment Precincts in NSW. What does this offer venues that they didn’t have before? Can you give us an example of how the trial might make a difference?
The Special Entertainment Precinct model is a game changer for venues. It introduces clear, precinct-wide trading hours and sound settings through a single management plan, which significantly reduces red tape and uncertainty for operators.
Previously, venues often navigated complex, individual approvals. Now, there’s a more consistent and fit-for-purpose framework that gives businesses the confidence to invest in live performance, extend trading hours, and enhance their programming.
Venues will be more willing to trial new acts and events, knowing the operating environment supports them. It’s helping to strengthen the night-time economy and build a more dynamic, entertainment-led identity for the precinct.
-What’s one thing you’d recommend someone do on a Friday night in Haymarket?
The beauty of Haymarket is that everything is within walking distance, so you can easily build a full night out with a mix of food, culture and entertainment. Start with dinner at Chinatown with cuisines from all across Asia – all provinces of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and across to Korean, Japanese and of course Thai, Vietnamese and more.
There is plenty to do in Haymarket, from checking out one of the 5 art galleries in the area, to a show at the Capitol Theatre, the highest concentration of karaoke bars in the city or amusement centre and arcades open until 3am.
-How do you see Haymarket continuing to evolve over the next five years?
Haymarket is on track to become one of Australia’s leading night-time districts. Over the next five years, we expect to see even stronger collaboration between businesses, more diverse and culturally rich programming, and continued growth in live performance and entertainment.
The combined impact of initiatives led by the Haymarket Alliance like Purple Flag, the Special Entertainment Precinct, and the Uptown District Acceleration Program will help lock in long-term vibrancy. We’ll see more investment, more innovation, and a greater focus on creating experiences that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Ultimately, Haymarket will continue to build on its unique cultural identity, cementing its reputation as a dynamic, inclusive and world-class destination that reflects the best of New South Wales after dark.
