Business Sydney

100 DAYS TO GET ICONIC OXFORD STREET READY TO SELL SYDNEY TO THE WORLD 

09 November 2022

Business Sydney says State and local government needs to work collaboratively and quickly with the business community to restore Oxford Street to its former glory as a vibrant, bustling entertainment and shopping strip in time to capitalise on the hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to town for World Pride next March.  

“We have just 100 days left to ensure the world witnesses either first-hand or in the media, that Sydney is the place to be in the South Pacific Region and restore our still slow to recover international tourism economy,” said Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney. 

“World Pride coming to Sydney next March is a huge opportunity for the city to shine on the international stage, showing the world we are an inclusive and welcoming place for all to visit, while boosting the stagnant strip that was once an iconic attraction for Sydneysiders and visitors from interstate and oversea. It must be restored to its former glory and become a year round attraction not just during Mardi Gras, as a place for all to enjoy and feel comfortable and welcome in - both day and night.’ 

“There are currently far too many ‘for lease’ signs along Oxford Street and council, along with state government, need to come up with incentives and reduce red tape to help get them up and running before Christmas in order to bring back the retail, dining and entertainment vibe to this unique piece of Sydney.” 

“Business Sydney released a report ‘The Future of Oxford Street’ prior to covid, which among its  recommendations for restoring the precinct’s mojo,  included placing the entire street under the control of Sydney City Council rather than leaving it half under control of Woollahra council, to streamline its recovery through one controlling body rather than being open to disputes between councils at different ends of the strip.” 

We know visitors to this wonderful event will contribute millions of dollars to the city’s still-slow economy, showcase our great global city to many millions of people around the globe and is an opportunity we must prepare now to capitalise on for all our citizens’ benefit” Mr.Nicolaou said.