Linda Scott: Clover Moore rival in bid to make Kings Cross great again

The woman attempting to end Clover Moore’s 17-year reign as Lord Mayor has unveiled her plan to win over voters which includes putting the fun back into Kings Cross.

Bookstores that double as comedy clubs, outdoor dining merrily spilling onto footpaths, cafes doing pop ups and theatre groups performing in public spaces – this is Lord Mayor candidate Linda Scott’s vision of a vibrant Kings Cross.

Cr Scott, a former deputy lord mayor, said she has a compelling pitch to inner east residents in Darlinghurst, Potts Point and Kings Cross with a plan on how to rejuvenate their neighbourhoods.

As a former University of Sydney researcher in the area of business innovation it’s an area she is very well versed in.

Supplied Editorial Cr Linda Scott is running for Lord Mayor of City of Sydney

“I think a state government road map (out of the pandemic) is not enough. We must drive a locally lead recovery of Kings Cross as a place of global interest,” Cr Scott said.

“Kings Cross has the potential to be recreated as a global cultural epicentre of fun and I’m committed to driving a local vision for that.

“I will of course work with state and federal governments on that, but nothing will replace the knowledge and the place that local government has.

“I have no doubt Darlinghurst Road is not going to look the same as it did 2019 but this is a positive opportunity to reshape it in line with the visions of the local residents and businesses.”

Cr Scott has big plans for Kings Cross.

Cr Scott challenged Clover Moore at the previous two local government elections only to be soundly defeated.

However with a star-studded team around her and Cr Moore’s other fierce competitor Kerryn Phelps withdrawing from the race, many believe Cr Scott could finally defeat City of Sydney’s longest reigning Lord Mayor.

The Lord Mayor has an impressive four terms under her belt and is determined to make it five.

Cr Scott’s approach to leading the CBD, including many of the businesses owned by eastern suburbs residents, out of the dark days of the pandemic is in many ways similar: cut red tape and have fun while doing it.

Residents of other local government areas (including those in the eastern suburbs) who own, occupy or lease property in the City of Sydney may be eligible to vote in the election too.

“We know our cultural industry is fundamental to why we all love Sydney – when you think of us you think of our theatres and performance spaces and galleries – but all the things we love were so impacted by Covid,” Cr Scott said.

“I want to ensure spaces are able to be used for a variety of uses. An office during the day and a gallery or live music venue at night.

“In order to rejuvenate a space currently empty or for lease, a city needs to be proactive in ensuring the use of the space can be maximised. If we have a wonderful bookshop I’m committed to doing all I can to ensure that can be a performance space as well.”

The veteran City of Sydney councillor also wants to host an annual parade and showcase of the city’s arts community.

The City of Sydney Labor team

Cr Scott is leading a team of well known identities to the election.

The Labor team includes the NRL’s first openly gay player Ian Roberts, prominent indigenous activist Aunty Norma Ingram and arts industry leader and former Waverley councillor Damien Minton.