MANY in the Northam community would have noticed the newly turfed area which takes up the space formerly occupied by the Fitzgerald Hotel.
Shire workers, Mr Stan Malinowski and local business owner Nick Hubble from Countrywide Landscaping were all working hard last week to have the site prepared for the weekend's Christmas on Fitzgerald Street event.
Shire of Northam chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker, said the development of the site is a great outcome and thanked Mr Stan Malinowski, the site owner, for his commitment to the development.
“We have been working with Mr Malinowski for some time to get a positive outcome for the site," he said.
"The newly turfed space provides some welcome relief to the area and really softens the outlook of the street.
“The feedback we have received to date has been very positive.”
It is important to acknowledge that without the partnership between the council and Mr Malinowski this would not have occurred.
Given the area is freehold land the Shire was in the fortunate position of having already set aside funds to assist local business property owners to develop/enhance the appearance of their buildings, or in this case, site.
The Shire of Northam is pleased that Mr Malinowski has accessed the CBD enhancement grant scheme to assist in the development of the former Fitzgerald Hotel site.
Mr Whiteaker said it was great to see the Council CBD enhancement funds being utilised.
“Mr Malinowski is the first business owner to access the funding opportunity, so hopefully others in the CBD will follow his lead and look to enhance their buildings or sites and leverage the Council funding available,” he said.
“The CBD enhancement funds are part of a suite of initiatives occurring with a focus on enhancing the appeal and vibrancy of the CBD.”
The other initiatives referred to above include;
1. Pop Up Shop - the Shire of Northam has leased the Roediger Building (Old Butcher Shop).
Council is looking to sub lease this out to potential businesses for short periods of time.
SciTech have been secured to go into the building for a week in January, while there are a number of other potential opportunities currently being explored.
2. Streetscape Enhancement - the area in front of the Library has been completed, attention will now be moved to the other end in front of Avon Nissan.
The Avon Mall is also an area of focus with plans being finalised and work due to commence in February/March 2016.
3. Christmas Lighting - a different approach has been taken to the Christmas decorations this year, with the primary focus being the lighting displays on the Commonwealth and Westpac Banks.
These were officially turned on over the weekend in conjunction with the Christmas on Fitzgerald event, which was a huge success.
In addition to the Council initiatives there are a number of other developments occurring in the CBD with planning approvals recently being granted for a new shopping complex on the site of the old Hospital at Gairdner Street, and the Dome Cafe to be located in the former Shamrock Hotel.
