Hornsby Council call for town centre upgrades to boost business opportunity, economic growth

A PLAN to bolster a Sydney council’s economy and support local businesses has called for the upgrade of critical town centres after strong community feedback.

Aerial shot of and Hornsby CBD. Pic: Appliancesonline Legend Blimp

A PLAN to bolster the Hornsby Shire economy and support local businesses has called for the upgrade of critical town centres after strong community feedback.

The $2.5 million proposal, earmarked to establish a strategy for economic development, highlighted Hornsby Council’s plans to improve town centres and public domain at Asquith, Mt Colah, Beecroft, Waitara, Thornleigh, West Pennant Hills and Hornsby.

The report, which will be debated at a general meeting of the council next week, said the improvement of town centre amenities would support businesses and economic growth.

Local government practice and strategy specialist and researcher Rachel Trigg said in her economic review the council could work to improve public access and amenity, install street furniture and conduct footpath upgrades.

Hornsby, Asquith, Mt Colah and Brooklyn are just some of the town centres that would be upgraded.

“Town centre upgrades are an important way of invigorating town and business centres, encouraging place activation and supporting the local community to activate public spaces and shop local,” Dr Trigg said in the report.

She also proposed a new strategy and place unit, reporting directly to the general manager, which the council said would be established next year.

“Some councils establish economic development committees to oversee local economic direction and activities,” Dr Trigg said.

Asquith town centre may be redeveloped to increase economic opportunities.

“The Local Government Act allows councils to make and levy special rates to meet the costs of works, services, facilities or activities. Some councils choose to introduce a special business rate to provide a pool of funds for local business and economic development initiatives, such as marketing, promotion and business and town centre development.”

Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said councillors have been focused on different ways to support small business in the shire.

Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock, at one of Hornsby Station’s car parks. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“There needs to be a supportive environment if we want to establish new businesses and see economic growth,” Cr Ruddock said.

“Businesses would like council to subsides them, which we cannot do, but if someone has business aspirations — we don’t want to be in the way, we want to support them.

“Hornsby town centre improvements would see increased opportunities for existing and future businesses.”