High life in a shop top

SHOP-TOP living is the latest trend to hit Lismore, at least that's what Lismore City Council is hoping.

SHOP-TOP living is the latest trend to hit Lismore, at least that's what Lismore City Council is hoping.

Lismore City Council's recently completed housing strategy identified an increasing need for one and two-bedroom accommodation over the next 20 to 25 years.

Mayor Jenny Dowell said shop-top living could hold some answers in addressing the shortage of affordable housing in the Lismore area.

"We need to generate a variety of accommodation options," Cr Dowell said.

While shop-top living would provide much-needed accommodation, Cr Dowell said it would also help bring the CBD area to life.

"It enlivens the place, makes it safer and provides economic benefits for businesses," Cr Dowell said. "People living in the city become the eyes, ears and soul of the city."

Yesterday Tullera local Lynn Bassey unveiled her recently renovated first-floor apartment in Magellan St and said she thought that shop-top living would soon catch on.

"I don't see why it wouldn't," Mrs Bassey said. "It's worked in other areas."

Mrs Bassey, who also owns the Lismore Art in the Heart premises on Magellan Street, said bringing people to the heart of Lismore would have all round benefits for the Lismore community.

Council Fire Safety officer Andrew Weir said off-street parking and cost of fire safety measures were two key issues preventing more people moving into the CBD, but the council was addressing it.

Lismore Housing report

Only 24% of rentals are affordable for very low-income households

54% of rentals are affordable for low-income households

Increased numbers of one and two-bedroom dwellings will be needed to accommodate a greater proportion of smaller households over the next 20-25 years.

Shop-top living can begin to address housing shortfalls

Originally published as High life in a shop top