The City of Bayswater is seeking $534,000 from the State government for place activation activities aimed at retaining and enticing shoppers to the Bayswater town centre during the construction phase of the Bayswater Train Station, and local businesses are on board.
The request will complement the approximately $880,000 of cash and in-kind support injected by the City and community partners.
Mayor Dan Bull said the City is best placed to work with the State government, local businesses and residents to minimise the impact on businesses resulting from the upgrade of the Bayswater Train Station.
“Our place management team has been working closely with businesses, community groups and creatives in Bayswater Town Centre since we employed dedicated Place Managers to activate our four town centres two years ago.
“This is about getting ahead of the game. Our Place Managers have a strong knowledge of local retail centres like Bayswater and have built up relationships with local businesses over many years. They will draw on this knowledge to ensure place making activities reflect Bayswater’s unique identity and make the most of what we have to offer.
“The proposal was developed in consultation with businesses and local groups such as Bayswater Community Financial Services (Bendigo Bank), Baysie Rollers, Bayswater Historical Society, Future Bayswater, and has their backing. It focuses on a mix of community and City-led initiatives intended to retain and increase visitation to the centre during the first two years of the train station redevelopment, and seeks a financial contribution from State Government to facilitate this.
The proposal comprises three elements. A laneway activation project between King William Street and Whatley Crescent will feature long table dinners, creative lighting projects, vintage markets, art installations, outdoor film nights and festivals. A destination marketing campaign will complement this and a co-working and community space created by Bayswater Community Financial Services will act as a hub for community groups and businesses.
“We've seen great results from the implementation of our Bayswater Town Centre Place Activation Plan over the past two years and it's vital that this continues.
“We are calling on the State government to ensure the Bayswater town centre continues to thrive.
“We plan to give people more reasons than ever to visit the Bayswater town centre with events, art installations, laneway activation, destination marketing and the creation of a shared community work space.
The City will now meet with State Government representatives to progress the proposal.