New $7.5 million main streets revitalisation fund
Wednesday 7 December 2022
Inner West Council will inject $7.5 million into five of the area’s main streets in a bid to revitalise them in the wake of the COVID pandemic and shut-downs.
At last night’s meeting Council resolved to create a new $7.5 million main street revitalisation fund that the community can use to boost local main streets.
As an incentive, Council will provide up to $1.5 million in capital investment for street furniture, art works, decorations and infrastructure in your main street.
To access the funding local chambers of commerce, businesses, landlords, artists and community organisations will have to work together to put forward a plan to revitalise their main street.
This will need to include real plans to improve occupancy rates, organise regular activations and events and involve residents in increased activity.
Mayor Darcy Byrne said the initiative was important to bring people back to the main streets, just as they were prior to the pandemic.
“Our whole community did it tough during lockdowns. Our businesses took a hit and at times the streets were almost deserted,” Mr Byrne said.
“Now is the time for a re-awakening. We want people back in the shops, we want restaurants and pubs to be full and we want the colour and movement that the Inner West is famous for.”
Council resolved to identify funding in the 2023/2024 budget process for five main streets to be provided $1.5 million each in capital works improvements.
Council also resolved to identify state and federal government grant funding that could assist to further expand the capital available for the program.
Mr Byrne said consultations would take place with local businesses, main street property owners, chambers of commerce, community and arts organisations about the criteria for the expression of interest process and the nature of the works which would be undertaken through Council’s capital contribution.
“Enjoying fun, vibrant and interesting main streets is one of the key elements that makes the Inner West such an attractive place to live and work,” Mr Byrne said.
“We want to generate new economic activity and pedestrian traffic on main streets.
“By providing an incentive for organisations to work together, through new funding for improved infrastructure, public art and street furniture, Council can facilitate community lead proposals for revitalisation of individual main streets.”
Deputy Mayor, Philippa Scott said “Main streets are a joint endeavour with Council, businesses, residents and State Government all having a part to play in creating a vibrant street life. Council is proud to offer financial support and a forum for these stakeholders to collaborate on shared priorities that Council can then implement.
“I am very excited to see what we can do when we work together to beautify, enliven and activate our spaces.”
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Jonny Browne at jonny.browne@innerwest.nsw.gov.au