Weekend night markets, pop up performances and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party family festival are among 25 events and activations sharing over $16 million from the second round of the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program across Greater Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said as CBDs see a return of workers, new events to encourage wider public engagement would provide a welcome boost for NSW’s economic recovery and deliver new jobs.
“After years like no others, we don’t just want our return to CBDs to be about work, but about breathing new life and a fresh perspective around their use, through diverse experiences for families, groups and individuals to enjoy,” Mr Ayres said.
“Being in the city just for the weekday 9-to-5 is long gone, and from recent trials of alfresco dining and live entertainment we know that giving people a reason to visit our cities outside of work hours is a win-win for all involved.
“Whilst entertaining audiences, each event will generate vital jobs for performers, hospitality and retail staff as well as transport workers, who have all been hit hard during the pandemic.”
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the funding supports a range of different scale events, with funding between $250,000 to $1 million helping to stage activity between March to May.
“From large scale events like the 23rd Biennale of Sydney’s Art After Dark series, to an Indian New Year Festival in Parramatta, a ‘Laneways Alive’ series in Wollongong and a three-day foodie experience in Chippendale, this support will draw a diverse range of audiences to our CBDs,” Mr Rodrigues said.
Round three of the CBDs Revitalisation Program will open for applications later in March 2022. Further details and a full list of round two recipients is available at https://investment.nsw.gov.au/cbdsrevitalisation
