While we’ve all huffed and puffed at one time or another about the state of our CBD, exciting days for Queen Street could soon be around the bend.
Campbelltown Council has partnered with renowned social enterprise Renew Australia to launch Renew On Q, an initiative to help rejuvenate areas of Queen Street with high rates of commercial vacancy.
A local project manager will work with property owners and business owners to make spaces along Queen Street available to people on a rent-free basis via a 30-day rolling licence and offered to a business that complements, not competes, with existing businesses in the area.
What a terrific idea!
“Renew On Q is an opportunity for people looking to take the next step in moving their creative business out of the home and into a shopfront, while supporting existing businesses by drawing people into the area for events, workshops and other activities,” Mayor of Campbelltown George Greiss said.
Birthed from founder Marcus Westbury’s highly successful Renew Newcastle activation in 2008, Renew Australia has a fantastic track record working with other Councils on innovative, low cost creative led urban revitalisation strategies.
“We are really looking forward to working with the Campbelltown community,” Renew Australia CEO Angela Simons said.
“Renew on Q will create new reasons for people to visit and spend time on Queen Street. Our team welcome property owners or agents interested in participating to get in touch to find out more.”
Expressions of interest for small businesses and creatives will open in September.
Anyone who currently manages a vacant or underutilised space within the Queen Street Precinct interested in the program can contact space@renewaustralia.org.
Photo: From the inaugural Campbelltown Book Trail 2022 activation on Queen Street organised by Rainbow Crossing Inc.
