Australian Labor Party has promised $3.5 million to turn the cultural precinct around Wigram and Marion Streets in Harris Park “into a dazzling tourism hub celebrating Australia’s South Asian communities.”
ALP’s candidate for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, says if elected, he will work with the community, the City of Parramatta and local businesses to develop the precinct and build a better future for all.
“As a business owner, I understand the important role that small business plays in our economy- and how tough the past few years have been for many small business owners. That’s why Labor will support small businesses in Harris Park by turning the cultural precinct into a dazzling tourism hub,” Mr Charlton said.
Labor says its $3.5 million commitment will fund streetscape beautification, including installing street furniture and seasonal lights in the precinct and helping businesses improve their signage and shop fronts through co-investment grants.
“Additionally, it will help make the precinct safer and more accessible with improved lighting and security cameras, as well as contributing towards the planning and development of a new car park space,” reads a statement released by Mr Charlton.
“This commitment is a terrific result of Harris Park – and it’s all part of my strong plan for our future. We will work with the community, the city of parameter and local businesses to develop the precinct and build a better future for all,” he said.
Labour’s $3.5 million commitment to precinct development will deliver:
- Dazzling streetscapes: $1.5 million to develop the streets around the Wigram and Marion streets with South Asian sculpture, street furniture and seasonal lights.
- Support for businesses: $10,000 co-investment grants for businesses in the area to improve their signage and shopfront. Shop owners must use the money to improve their fronts of the premises and match the grants with their own funding. Support would be available for up to 50 businesses.
- Better parking: A $1 million grant 2 $1 grant will go towards the planning and development of a new car park in the area to improve access and encourage visitors. Council would also be expected to contribute to this part of the project.
- Security lighting: $500,000 grant towards improving security lighting and cameras.
- Naming the precinct: Many South Asian precincts have become famous tourist destinations around the world, such as the “Golden Mile” in Leicester “, Little India” in Singapore and “Brick Lane” in London. Labor will work with the council and community groups on appropriate name for the Wigram Street precinct within Harris Park.
