The NSW Government's successful night-time district grant support initiative, the Uptown program, has expanded to the Central Coast, with $355,000 in funding to support two successful districts in the region.
The Gosford Strip Precinct and The Esplanade in Terrigal are the region's first successful precincts to participate in the program.
Across the state, 37 precincts have received funding under the third round of the NSW Government's $5.5 million Uptown Grant program.
The Uptown District Acceleration Program is a key element of the NSW Government's 24-Hour Economy Strategy. A catalyst for change, it supports place-based collaboration, branding and storytelling within districts, and provides a platform for districts to innovate with reduced risk and ultimately become self-sustainable in the future.
The program is delivered in two phases. The capacity-building Uptown Accelerator Program, which features a series of workshops designed to help districts build on their unique vision, and the Uptown Grant Program.
The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has also engaged with local government and industry in regional areas across NSW, to understand the unique needs, challenges and priorities of these areas to better understand how a program like Uptown could be rolled out across NSW.
All new Uptown districts will be featured on the NSW Government's Neon Marketplace to help these Districts connect with the creative community and collaborate on local activations and initiatives.
For more information on the Uptown District Acceleration Program visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/uptown-program
For more information on Neon Marketplace visit: https://www.neonmarketplace.nsw.gov.au/
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said:
"We've seen amazing success stories come out of the Uptown program, from district partnerships with major events like Vivid Sydney and SXSW Sydney to amazing community events and activations like the Inner West Ale Trail's Inner West Country festival. I'm pleased to see districts from the state's Central Coast, north and south coasts in the program.
"The Uptown Grant Program allows often cash-strapped businesses to work together and develop product offerings and promotional strategies that tell the stories of their local areas and encourage people to come, stay and spend.
"We want to create self-sustaining district initiatives that will go from strength to strength in promoting their vibrant local offerings and help promote our visitor economy for years to come."
Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:
"Gosford and Terrigal are key centres on our rapidly growing Central Coast and it's great to see them as part of this initiative that will ensure locals and visitors can enjoy the unique stories and offerings these dynamic hubs have to offer.
"We've always been known for our spectacular beaches, but there are so many talented local businesses and artists. This investment will support more collaboration across businesses, and bring more opportunities for the community to enjoy and give visitors an even better excuse to get along and soak up the vibe."
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:
"Gosford is full of Coastie charm and warmth. The local community has been working hard at the grassroots, driven by the belief that community grit can help build a better Gosford.
"I'm pleased the NSW Government can back those local businesses and support that collaboration to develop a sustainable and vibrant precinct with great options for people to explore and enjoy."
Gosford Strip Precinct Board Chair Juan Locco said:
"For a long time, our CBD has been defined nationally by decline-vacant shops, failed projects, and a sense of being forgotten. Uptown Grant marks a turning point. It doesn't just back our vision-it acknowledges the resilience and hard work of our diverse collective of business owners, community organisations, and everyday go-getters who've rolled up their sleeves to rebuild our city's heart.
"This grant is a game-changer for our team and the entire Gosford community; the Uptown Grant allows us-for the first time-to professionally resource and coordinate our district's efforts. We'll be able to employ dedicated team members to lead precinct coordination, strengthen collaboration between local businesses and organisations, and local government as well as drive consistency and momentum across our initiatives."
