Shopkeepers band together

FORGET the recent upgrades in Lismore’s Woodlark Street, shopkeepers around the corner have their own ‘el naturale’ beautification project in place.

FORGET the recent upgrades in Lismore’s Woodlark Street, shopkeepers around the corner have their own ‘el naturale’ beautification project in place.

Magellan Street businesses have been funding the purchase of trees that line their CBD street for the past 14 years and recently added eight new large planter tubs.

The business owners each purchased a terracotta ‘look-alike’ planter tub and Lismore City Council provided the miniature lilli pilli trees and soil for the pots.

The partnership between council and the businesses is part of the city centre revitalisation process.

Peppertree Kitchen owner Helen Nott was the first to instigate the street plant idea and believes it creates a certain ambience.

“For many years we have had huge pots and now the shops that haven’t had them do,” she said.

“We like having a flow right along the street with pots and trees. It creates an ambience.”

Shop owners and customers will also get a fragrant bonus when they pass through Magellan Street as the lilli pilli trees produce white fragrant flowers just after spring.

Mother and son co-owners of The Mecca Cafe, Janette and Todd McLean, are one of the latest businesses to jump on board the beautification initiative and are ‘delighted’ with their latest purchase.

Magellan Street was identified as Lismore’s ‘Eat Street’ recently, due to its outdoor dining potential and wide, paved street.

Lismore City Centre manager Stephen Nelson said the ‘Eat Street’ concept had been recognised by council.

“Magellan Street was identified as the most attractive option for the Eat Street in the recent Lismore Alive Report, which led to council recognising the importance of creating and managing a special place within the CBD,” Mr Nelson said.

Originally published as Shopkeepers band together