Empty with an uncertain future. That is what you will find with a lot of shops when you walk down Guyra’s main street, Bradley Street.
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But now the Guyra and District Chamber of Commerce and New England North West NSW Business Chamber are hoping to transform the main street with a little help from some entrepreneurs.
Community and business leaders from across the New England and Sydney came to hear about the issue on Friday in a bid to deliver some fresh ideas to get the main street pumping.
Renew Newcastle leaders Marcus Westbury and Christopher Saunders explained the concept and workings of the Renew movement.
Mr Westbury said the initiative kicked off in Newcastle in 2008 in response to over 150 empty shops in the CBD of Newcastle.
“So far we’ve launched more than 250 projects and 380 vacant properties,” he said.
“What we try to encourage is people within the community that have ideas – to try them.
“People within Guyra might have ideas that are different to the ideas that people have in Newcastle.
“But as long as you’ve got vacant spots and good ideas ... if you marry the two of them then interesting things can happen.”
As long as you’ve got vacant spots and good ideas ... if you marry the two of them then interesting things can happen.
- Marcus Westbury
Regulation and expenses like insurance can be too intimidating for emerging micro businesses, Mr Westbury said.
But the Renew organisation secures short term, low or nil cost commercial space, usually in empty shops and can help an entrepreneur prepare the premises, assist with local and state government regulations and cover some costs including insurance.
The new businesses have access to the shop until a commercial tenant is found by the landlord.
Aileen MacDonald, President of the Guyra and District Chamber of Commerce said the Renew initiative would help facilitate a change in Guyra.
“After this forum there will be a change in how you see the CBD of your local town,” she said.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Renew concept contact Aileen MacDonald at guyrachamber@gmail.com or Joe Townsend at Joe.Townsend@nswbc.com.au.
