City of Newcastle (CN) has opened applications for its City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rates (SBR) program, with $900,000 in funding available for projects designed to promote, beautify and develop the precinct.
The opening of the City Centre/ Darby Street program follows the recent awarding of $150,000 in funding for seven projects in the Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend precincts, with successful projects ranging from a street art festival to an op-shop trail.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the SBR program provided invaluable support for City Centre and suburban business precincts, with economic outcomes that flowed through to the wider Newcastle area.
“SBR initiatives such as West Best Bloc Fest, which will see 80 local music artists perform in venues across the city, and the Small Walls beautification project, are proven to not only attract an influx of visitors but also drive new and expanded economic opportunities for our local hospitality venues, arts and cultural sector,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what creative applications come through from this next City Centre and Darby Street SBR round and also congratulate the successful applicants from Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend, as we continue to create vibrant, activated spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.”
SBR recipient and Newcastle Pride president Lee-Anne McDougall said the funding will help deliver a diverse range of LGBTIQ+ free and ticketed events throughout Hamilton during the Newcastle Pride Festival in October.
“We’ve developed a program of LGBTIQ+ community events aimed to delight and entertain the Hamilton community and visitors with ‘Roving Real Queens of Hamilton’, drag bingo, a dance party and much more thanks to SBR support,” Ms McDougall said.
Councillor Carol Duncan said initiatives like the SBR program provide a great way to involve local businesses and the community in the development and promotion of their own business precincts.
“The SBR suburban program will this year support seven truly innovative projects, which I can’t wait to see come to life in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend,” Cr Duncan said.
“Beaumont Street is set to come alive in October with LGBTIQ+ community events delivered by Newcastle Pride, bringing visitors to the area and building on the recent success of the Hamilton Night Noodle Markets.”
Expressions of interest for the City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding round close on Friday 15 September.
