Plans to revitalise the CBDs of the Cessnock LGA took a big step forward last week with a visit from Renew Newcastle founder Marcus Westbury.
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The urban renewal scheme has been credited with revitalising dozens of previously empty buildings and shop fronts around Newcastle’s inner city and encouraging activity in what would otherwise be empty space.
Mr. Westbury spent Thursday touring Cessnock, Kurri, Branxton and Wollombi before presenting his ideas at a public forum on Friday.
The recommendations were based upon the Renew model; find an unused shop, enter into an agreement with the tenants, adopt the space and find a cheap and interesting way to make it your own.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said that council, in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, was motivated to invite Mr. Westbury to Cessnock after attending Western Australia’s International Cities and Town Centres conference in October.
“His presentation really struck a chord with council,” he said.
“What we are trying to do here is much bigger than just coming out and having Marcus look at the main street and villages.
“We are very keen to get as much out of his visit as possible and that includes looking at the whole spectrum of renewal for this area.”
Mr. Westbury said that Cessnock has lots of potential to tap in on the flourishing tourism industry being created by the area’s vineyards, but that more needs to be done.
“Most areas would kill for what Cessnock’s got, in terms of attracting people to the area,” he said.
“That being said, I couldn’t find much there to convince me to spend my time in the town.
“The challenge is creating a framework that will bring out the layer of activity and present Cessnock as a place of distinction that offers visitors something unique and different.”
Cr. Pynsent said that he hopes this won’t be the last time that council engages with the Mr. Westbury and the Renew Newcastle scheme.
“This is something that could benefit the whole Cessnock LGA,” he said.
“All of our villages are very different, but hopefully in the short term we will be able to facilitate the programs to assist in our own renewal process.”
