Street Scapes Griffith is kicking off next week, hosting a series of events and activities designed to activate the CBD, with a focus on Kooyoo Street.
The pilot project funded under the NSW Government Streets as Shared Spaces fund and Griffith City Council, aims to rethink the way we use our city streets, and re-prioritise the way we experience our urban environments.
Council's Project Planner, Nathan Beer is behind the concept, with plans for Kooyoo Street going back as far as 30 years.
"Kooyoo Street has always been on the radar for the Urban Design Team, and through this funding we are able to implement this program of events to lay the foundation for future development of the area," said Mr Beer.
"Streets and laneways of our cities have always been about cars, and it's about time we do away with that singular thought process and refocus our attention to the pedestrians."
Street Scapes will transform the CBD into an outdoor cultural experience, with part of Kooyoo Street converted into a shared recreational space and will host an array of activities. There will be projection artwork, hula hooping workshop, kids dance classes, community art, markets, a pop up wine bar and much more.
Mr Beer added that it is exciting to be able to show what is possible through street activation and testing a pedestrian centric planning model in Griffith.
"Kooyoo Street shows so much potential to be more than a connection from Yambil Street to Banna Avenue, and Street Scapes will demonstrate just what can be made possible for this underutilised space," he said.
"Being able to use Street Scapes to test this strategic location and make pedestrian activity a priority means that we can plan for a more meaningful and connected Kooyoo Street into the future - creating a shared zone will create the positive outcomes and stimulate the economy through a boost to retail and hospitality outlets.
"We are excited to kick all of this off with Street Scapes and look forward to seeing what can be developed for our City," he added.
Event Organiser, Georgina Horton said Street Scapes is set to create an urban atmosphere through events and activities, each designed to engage with residents and visitors.
"Kooyoo Street will be transformed into a cultural hub, featuring park style seating, a temporary kiosk which will facilitate a pop up café/eatery with three (3) local businesses featured; Limone will take residence from 6 – 9 May, followed by Cocoa & Bean and then Alaina's Kitchen," said Ms Horton.
"Workshops and events will be held throughout the month, including community art, hula demonstrations and lessons, and art projections - Kooyoo Street will be a hive of activity!"
In addition, Street Scapes will host a series of events outside the Kooyoo Street area, including a 3x3 basketball tournament from 14 - 16 May.
"The Griffith Visitor Centre carpark will be transformed to host the 3x3 Basketball, which will be 3 days of 3x3 action, slam dunks, 3 point shoot outs and world ranking points," said Ms Horton.
"There are three tournaments for locals to play in; social/corporate cup, opens and juniors. Why not get a team together and be a part of the action? Head to the Street Scapes website to find out more or to register your own team."
Other events will be held throughout the month including the Banna Lane Festival, Archibald Prize at Griffith Regional Theatre, workshops, artist talks and so much more.
Visit streetscapes.com.au for the latest information and events calendar.
