When you see the Purple Flag sign, you’ll know the area meets standards of excellence in vibrancy, diversity and safety at night.
Sydney is joining around 90 global destinations, including Stockholm, Sweden, Aberdeen, Scotland and Dublin, Ireland, in flying the Purple Flag, with YCK (York, Clarence and Kent Streets) in Sydney’s CBD; and Parramatta's CBD the first Purple Flag accredited precincts in Australia.
Haldon Street, Lakemba; and Marrickville will also be part of the pilot program, which is being rolled out from 2023.
What is Purple Flag?
The first of its kind in Australia, Purple Flag is an international accreditation scheme that aims to identify areas offering a diverse, vibrant and safe night out.
To achieve Purple Flag accreditation, areas need to meet a set of criteria, including access to public transport, adequate street lighting and great food and beverage offerings.
The Purple Flag accreditation scheme is a key initiative of the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy enhancing our thriving, diverse and inclusive night-time destinations.
Benefits of Purple Flag
Accredited areas have reported benefits, including:
- a raised profile and improved public image for the area
- wider patronage, and increased expenditure
- reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour
- more effective promotion of the area’s night-time economy
- a more successful mixed-use economy in the longer term.
Purple Flag also supports and strengthens other work by the public and private sector, including placemaking and revitalisation projects, night-time economy strategies and public safety initiatives.
What's the application and assessment process for Purple Flag?
Formal applications for Purple Flag will open in early 2024. Your precinct can express interest or for more details by emailing 24hour@enterprise.nsw.gov.au
Interested future applicants will:
- First express their interest in applying for Purple Flag.
- Appoint a Purple Flag Coordinator and form a representative working group.
- Conduct an overnight self-assessment of the proposed Purple Flag area and complete a self-assessment report.
- Prepare other application documentation including a comprehensive summary of the area and how it meets the Purple Flag assessment framework (see Purple Flag Core Principles and assessment criteria below).
- Submit the application.
What's the estimated timeframe for Purple Flag accreditation?
It will take three to six months from registration to submission of application to assessment and then if successful, to receive Purple Flag accreditation.
How does an area obtain Purple Flag accreditation?
Purple Flag precincts are assessed by independent Purple Flag assessors and an Accreditation Panel against five ‘Purple Flag Core Principles’ (a framework for assessing the quality and appeal of each precinct). For each Core Principle there are six Purple Flag Attributes which applications will be assessed against.
The Purple Flag Core Principles and Attributes
Wellbeing: Welcoming, clean and safe
- Safety. Proportionate levels of visible, effective policing, capable guardians that can de-escalate situations before they occur and active surveillance.
- Care. Responsible guardianship, customer care and concern for community health.
- Regulation. Positive and proactive approach to licensing and regulation.
- Services. Appropriate levels of cleansing and waste, and access to public amenities.
- Partnership. The active involvement of business, liquor accords or other associations in contributing to a welcoming, clean and safe precinct.
- Perceptions. A valid and positive presentation of the area to customers.
Movement: A secure pattern of arrival, circulation and departure
- Public transport. Safe, affordable, well-managed late-night public transport, including adequate provision for taxi, ride share and other on-demand drop-off and pick-up services.
- Car parking. Where appropriate, availability of secure late-night car parking.
- Pedestrian routes. Clear, safe and convenient pedestrian links within the precinct and when leaving the area.
- Crowd management. Where applicable, measures to deal with overcrowding, congestion, and conflict between pedestrians and moving vehicles.
- Information. Practical information and guidance available for visitors to the area.
- Partnership. Business, venues and transport operator commitment and participation to support the safe movement of people and vehicles.
Appeal: A vibrant choice and rich mix of entertainment and activity
- Food and dining. A diverse choice of food venues including affordable options.
- Pubs and bars. Well-managed venues. Catering to varied tastes, including regular programming or cultural activities as appropriate to the area.
- Late night venues. Where applicable, diversity in late night venues (trading after 9pm) beyond food and drink options including but not limited to entertainment and shops. The late-night offer should complement the diverse appeal of the precinct as a whole.
- Early evening activity. An active early evening period, such as late opening shops, sporting and leisure opportunities, and night markets that offer a diverse appeal to all age groups.
- Building use. Creative and imaginative use of buildings in the evening and at night.
- Arts and culture. A vibrant, inclusive arts and cultural scene either through regular programming in venues or/and through events.
Place: A stimulating destination and vibrant place
- Location. Appropriate location, clustering, and capacity of venue types and amenities.
- Diversity. A successful balance of uses.
- Clarity. Clear, accessible pedestrian links and wayfinding.
- Animation. Attractive, well-used public places, active streets and building frontages.
- Good design. Thoughtful and imaginative design for the night.
- Identity. Character and identity through natural and built features to reinforce appeal in addition to social, historical, and cultural significance and connections to community.
Strategic Alignment: A clear aim and a common purpose
- Data. Access to data to support a sound statistical base for policy-making and action.
- Strategy. Positive strategic objectives and targets.
- Coordination. Public policy and regulatory coordination and focus.
- Leadership. Clear responsibilities for policy and action.
- Partnership. Multi-sector endorsement and commitment across local and state government agencies, private businesses, associations, and liquor accords.
- Community. Dialogue with consumers and residents.
For more information
For more information see the 24-hour economy pages.
For more information on Purple Flag email 24hour@enterprise.nsw.gov.au