Council partners with Renew Australia to revitalise shopfronts

Published on 29 August 2023

Vacant spaces and shopfronts throughout Queen Street will come back to life as part of a new initiative to encourage creative start-ups and entrepreneurs to trial their businesses in a commercial setting.

Council has partnered with renowned social enterprise Renew Australia to launch Renew On Q, an initiative to help rejuvenate areas of Queen Street with high rates of commercial vacancy.

“Renew On Q is an opportunity for people looking to take the next step in moving their creative business out of the home and into a shopfront, while supporting existing businesses by drawing people into the area for events, workshops and other activities,” Mayor George Greiss said.

“Renew Australia have a fantastic track record working with other Councils to rejuvenate commercial centres so we’re excited to be partnering with them to launch Renew On Q in Campbelltown.”

As part of the program a local project manager will work with property owners and business owners to make spaces along Queen Street available to people on a rent-free basis via a 30-day rolling licence and offered to a business that complements, not competes, with existing businesses in the area. 

Expressions of interest for small businesses and creatives will open in September.

“We are really looking forward to working with the Campbelltown community,” Renew Australia CEO Angela Simons said.

“Renew on Q will create new reasons for people to visit and spend time on Queen Street. Our team welcome property owners or agents interested in participating to get in touch to find out more"

Anyone who currently manages a vacant or underutilised space within the Queen Street Precinct interested in the program can contact space@renewaustralia.org.