Creativity, culture and community will be at the heart of a project to reinvigorate a part of the Byron Bay town centre as part of a State Government-funded trial..

The goal of this project is to explore the community’s interest in defining a specific part of the town centre, a special entertainment precinct, to enable more cultural and community events.

It will also help local businesses wanting to host live entertainment, provide fairer and more uniform trading hours for small venues, and offer more on-street dining opportunities.

In late July, Byron Council will ask businesses, residents, creatives, visitors and other stakeholders how they use the town centre during the day and night, what sorts of events and activities they think would positively enhance Byron Bay, and importantly, what problems or issues are evident now that need addressing.

Jack Dods, Deputy Mayor of Byron Shire, said it’s important for everyone to know that this project is not about creating or promoting Byron Bay as a party town.

"This project aims to create a vibrant public realm in Byron Bay by activating spaces for community events, markets, and creative activities.

I am hopeful that it will also give us the data to begin tacking challenges like safety, poor lighting, and excessive noise and set clear, enforceable guidelines and lay a strong foundation for renewed vitality enjoyed by both locals and visitors," Deputy Mayor Dods said. 

"I also hope it will bring new life to under-utilised parts of the town centre, like the rail corridor park and our laneways, by making it easier for our vibrant artistic community to host creative events at various times of the year," he said.

Everyone will have the chance to provide feedback or information in a variety of ways with pop-up events, information sessions, focus groups and online engagement activities to be held from late July.

Information about the Special Entertainment Precinct trial is on Council’s website, including a map showing the area identified for the trial.