Key suburban precincts throughout Newcastle are hoping to become “hives of activity”, thanks to council’s Special Business Rate (SBR) program.
Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend will share in $150,000 to host 10 ventures, including vertical “smart” gardens installed on shopfront facades and a series of community-based art initiatives.
For Purple Card Project co-founder Bianca Bartlett, the SBR funding will help bring her Op Shop Trail concept to life by tapping into an increased interest in slow fashion and shopping sustainably.
“Courtesy of the SBR windfall, in collaboration with the Wallsend Town Business Association, we are developing a self-guided digital trail map,” she said.
“It will shine a spotlight on Nelson Street’s unique and diverse mix of op-shops and cafes all in one convenient location.
“The trail concept is designed to encourage visitors to spend time and money in the precinct on weekends.
“They can start with coffee at a local café, visit all five op-shops brimming with unique wares, and conclude with lunch.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the SBR program was integral in bringing people back to business precincts across the city following the impacts of the pandemic in recent years.
“Our latest suburban SBR round will see beautification in New Lambton, a fringe festival on Beaumont Street, and a fantastic initiative that supports sustainability by promoting shopping at Wallsend’s eclectic op-shops among other great local projects,” she explained.
“We’ll see some exciting new activations like the Curious Legends Halloween celebration Wallsend Frights, which will activate Nelson Street with performance and interactive activities, while New Lambton Library will receive a stunning new mural delivered by Up&Up, drawing inspiration from the ideas of the local community.”
More information about the program and funding opportunities can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/special-business-rates
Successful suburban SBR projects include:
HAMILTON
- Newcastle Fringe Festival, March 2023
The project will build on the Fringe Festival’s existing presence on Beaumont Street by expanding the number of shows with more family-friendly events and micro-performances in local businesses.
- Beautiful Beaumont Doors
Six local female artists will beautify and transform six graffitied doorways in between shops along Beaumont Street.
- Herb Urban – Thriving Gardens
The project involves the installation of stand-alone smart gardening systems, fixed to shopfront facades throughout Hamilton, connecting Newcastle with greenery throughout the suburbs and City Centre.
NEW LAMBTON
- New Lambton Library Community Mural
The community mural project will be delivered by Up&Up Inspirations design on the exterior wall of New Lambton Library. The mural design will incorporate the ideas of the people who live, work and play in New Lambton.
- Herb Urban – Thriving Gardens
The project involves the installation of stand-alone smart gardening systems, fixed to shopfront facades throughout New Lambton, connecting Newcastle with greenery throughout the suburbs and City Centre.
WALLSEND
- Wallsend Op Shop Trail to Revitalise Nelson Street
In collaboration with Wallsend Town Business Association, Samaritans, and the other four Op Shops on Nelson Street, the Wallsend Op Shop Trail is designed to encourage visitors to Wallsend on weekends.
- And Then, They Were No Longer Invisible
This is a photo-storytelling project that shines a spotlight on seniors in our communities. The project will include community workshops, local business engagement and a community art installation in the Wallsend Business Precinct that encourages social cohesion and visitation to the area.
- Banner Art
This project will involve local primary schools in the painting of images on 20×20 cm boards. 240 images will be chosen to be enlarged onto 80×200 cm banners for the proposed public banner sites in Wallsend business precinct.
- Wallsend Frights
Curious Legends will produce two days of Halloween-themed activations such as roving performances and costume-making challenges to draw foot traffic to the Wallsend business precinct. The program will culminate with a family event with installations, performances, interactive activities and workshops with community groups and Wallsend businesses.
- Public Mural
Play State Studio will deliver a mural in a main street of Wallsend with three local mural artists.
