The McGowan Labor Government has announced a new $12 million package aimed at getting people back into the Perth CBD and Northbridge.
It comes after the Government yesterday announced the easing of restrictions from 12.01am Friday (April 29) to baseline measures, which includes mask wearing encouraged but no longer mandatory and the removal of the two square metre rule for venues.
The package is headlined by a new $4 million event grants program, which will be offering funding of up to $100,000 for eligible businesses, property owners and not-for-profits to run a wide range of events such as markets, long-table dinners, live music performances and food and wine events.
As part of the grants program, successful recipients will be able to apply to the State Government for the use of locations such as Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square and the Cultural Centre Precinct.
$7 million will be invested in activating and revitalising Yagan Square. The funding will include a significant revamp of the Market Hall precinct, with the Government announcing award-winning Western Australian hospitality operator Nokturnl as the preferred proponent to reinvigorate the Market Hall at Yagan Square, with a proposal that will see a vibrant new destination created in the heart of the CBD.
Nokturnl operates a number of venues in Perth including Old Synagogue in Fremantle and The Beaufort in Mount Lawley.
$1 million will also be provided to not-for-profit organisation Activate Perth, which works with entrepreneurs and small businesses to activate empty and unused building spaces throughout the CBD.
The event grants will be available for 12 months from July 1 through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, with applications opening next month.
The State will undertake an awareness campaign, providing information to eligible applicants on how they can access event grants.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“We are helping bring vibrancy, activity and fun to our City.
“Our upcoming State Budget includes a number of initiatives to increase foot traffic and breathe new life into the CBD and Northbridge by offering financial support for events, revitalising unused spaces and revamping Yagan Square.
“There are so many fantastic places in the CBD and Northbridge – whether it be for dinner, an after-work drink or a night out on the town.
“With the easing of health measures from this Friday, I encourage those that can to support businesses in the CBD and Northbridge as they recover from COVID-19.”
As stated by Local Government Minister John Carey:
“This is a significant package that makes clear our Government will support businesses in the City and Northbridge, and invest in getting people back in the CBD.
“The event grants are really a blank canvas, and with up to $100,000 on offer, it is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make use of vacant and empty spaces, to get people back into the City.
“We could see some really fantastic events being held, such as long table lunches alongside the river showcasing some of our state’s finest food and wine, and live music and artistic events in some unique locations in the City.
“My message to the community and to businesses is to make use of the funding, so we can activate the City and Northbridge and bring some vibrancy back into the CBD.
“Revitalising Yagan Square is also a key component of this package, and we are working towards a significant revamp of the Market Hall precinct, as well as delivering a range of new activations and events that get people back into the area.”
Local Government Minister’s office – 6552 5300
