Sunset Cinema and AFL Umpires set to renew leases at North Sydney Oval

30 October 2025

North Sydney Council is on the verge of finalising agreements with Sunset Cinema and AFL Umpires for the continued use of North Sydney Oval. The renewed leases include moderate fee increases, with Council hoping for additional benefits for the community.

Sunset Cinema has run for almost 25 years now, lighting up the oval between December and March annually. Following the expiry of its current agreement in March 2026, the council aims to secure a new three-year agreement for the 2026-29 seasons. The updated terms for the upcoming 2025-26 season include a 3% fee increase and a 10% administration fee for cleaning and security. Adjustments to cancellation conditions have also been made to minimise council’s costs, with food and beverage management now handled entirely by Sunset Cinema. Additionally, the council will receive 100 complimentary tickets for community distribution and a 90-second pre-show advertising slot for Council messaging.

The AFL Umpires program, which has been operating at the oval for over three years, is set for a new five-year licence set to expire in September 2029. This multi-year agreement addresses previous uncertainties regarding tenure and scheduling. The terms include a slight increase in venue hire and new charges for cleaning and floodlighting. The agreement guarantees 25 weeks of training per year and provides secure onsite storage and use of off-field facilities for training.

At a council meeting on 27 October the CEO was authorised to finalise and execute these agreements.