Renew On Q: How empty shops could breathe life into Queen St, Campbelltown

Queen St – once the bustling heart of the city – is a shadow of its former self. But a mission to breathe creativity into empty shops and stores could be the key to bringing it back to life. Find out how it will work.

Vacant shops could get a new life on Queen St with a new project.

Vacant spaces and shopfronts in the heart of Campbelltown will come back to life as part of a new initiative to boost the CBD’s main drag, which is currently a shadow of its former self.

Campbelltown Council has partnered with social enterprise Renew Australia to launch Renew On Q – an initiative to help rejuvenate areas of Queen St with high rates of commercial vacancy.

“Renew Australia have a fantastic track record working with other Councils to rejuvenate commercial centres so we’re excited to be partnering with them to launch Renew On Q in Campbelltown,” Mayor George Greiss said.

What is Renew on Q?

Renew Australia CEO Angela Simons explained the not-for-profit has worked in cities such as Melbourne and regional locations such as Wagga to “unlock otherwise vacant space”.

“This one will be funded by Campbelltown City Council and we will borrow spaces to have creative start-ups trial an idea in a visible location and connect with their community,” she said.

How does it work?

Ms Simons explained a local project manager would be assigned and work with property and business owners to make spaces along Queen Street available to people on a rent-free or low-cost basis via a 30-day rolling licence.

“Each property is negotiated on individual terms,” she said.

“It is a rolling agreement where the person uses the spaces and improves it by turning the lights on and keeping the windows clean until the property owner has another opportunity whether it’s another commercial offer or planned development going ahead.

“We want to bring activity to spaces and gives creatives the opportunity to see if they want to step into a bricks and mortar location on a more permanent basis.

Anyone who currently manages a vacant or under-utilised space within the Queen Street Precinct interested in the program can contact [e-mail].

What types of businesses are eligible?

Queens St is a shadow of its former self.

Ms Simons said a “creative” included was anyone who makes their own products, wares or concepts.

“While that includes fine artists, sculptors, painters and galleries it also includes game designers, industrial designers, people who have come up with their own concept such as soap makers or circus performers,” she said.

“It also includes community groups and other not-for-profits as well.”

Expressions of interest for small businesses and creatives will open in September.

How will it impact current businesses?

Ms Simons said a core aspect of Renew’s programs was to ensure the incoming start-ups complements, and not competes with existing businesses in the area.

“We are not looking to put somebody in a local space who would directly compete with a trader who is working really hard to keep their business profitable and afloat,” she said.