Since the infamous lockout laws and Covid, Darlinghurst Road in the Kings Cross area of Potts Point has become tired, run-down and a shadow of its former self. Once the heart of Sydney's entertainment precinct and a mecca for tourists and locals looking for a good time, it has been reduced to a strip of mainly takeaway food businesses, with many boarded-up shops, attracting rough sleepers and giving opportunities for those dealing in drugs to congregate. There has been an increase in vandalism and litter and the streetscape is in a sorry state.

City of Sydney Council has invested a lot of money in nearby Macleay Street to prettify the pavements and crossings. Much has been made of the need to renovate Oxford. Street in neighbouring Darlo, but where is the love for Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross? The council should step in to offer incentives to landlords and small businesses to set up shop along the street e.g. rate relief or grants to carry out visual improvements.

By allowing the legendary strip to get its mojo back, we can start a renaissance of the glory days of Kings Cross and build a world-class entertainment district drawing in visitors from across the globe.