Shared Spaces: NSW high street plan to boost small business, tourism
The $15 million plan to revitalise public spaces across the state is a bid to stimulate small business and boost local tourism while bringing more life back to local areas.
NSW
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Councils across NSW will be eligible to apply for million-dollar grants to transform their local roads into neighbourhood high streets.
The $15 million plan to revitalise public spaces across the state is a bid to stimulate small business and boost local tourism while bringing more life back to local areas.
The state government will provide up to $1 million to councils for projects that can invigorate a street and boost the economy.
Projects that could be eligible for funding include outdoor dining, wider footpaths, lighting and art, and measures to ease traffic.
It follows a COVID recovery scheme to rejuvenate public spaces to get more people outdoors, which is now supporting 48 pilot projects in NSW.
All councils will be able to apply for the grant funding, with applications assessed by government departments.
The money will be awarded next year, with councils given a one-year deadline to complete their projects.
Streets across Sydney have already been transformed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in an attempt to get more people to embrace COVID-safe outdoor dining.
Thriving local high streets have always been important to community health, wellbeing and prosperity,” Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.
He said the COVID pandemic has shown the importance of public spaces to the community and economy.
“More and more people are staying local and loving it,” Mr Stokes said.
Upgrades to Coogee’s alfresco scene have made a big difference to local eateries.
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