Labor candidate for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton has announced to turn the cultural precinct around Wigram and Marion Streets in Harris Park (Sydney) into a dazzling tourism hub via a $3.5 million funding commitment.
Mr Andrews says this commitment will fund streetscape beautification, including the installation of street furniture and seasonal lights in the precinct, and help businesses improve their signage and shopfronts through co-investment grants.
“This commitment is a terrific result for Harris Park – and it’s all part of my strong plan for our future,” Charlton said.
“We’ll work with the community, the City of Parramatta and local businesses to develop the precinct and build a better future for all.”
Additionally, it will help make the precinct safer and more accessible with improved lighting and security cameras, as well as contribute towards the planning and development of a new car park.
How the money will be spent for precinct development
- Dazzling streetscape: $1.5 million to develop the streets around 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 the fronts of their premises, and match the grants with their own funding. Support would be available for up to 50 businesses.
- Better Parking. A $1 million 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
Labor candidate for Parramatta Andrew Charlton stopped short of committing to the name ‘Little India’ for the precinct however he said he will work with the council and community groups on an appropriate name for the Wigram Street precinct within Harris Park.
To argue his case Mr Charlton gave examples of precincts which have become famous tourist destinations around the world such as the “Golden Mile” in Leicester, “Little India” in Singapore and “Brick Lane” in London.
Donna Davis, Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta, welcomed the announcement.
“Harris Park is one of Sydney’s hidden cultural gems. It’s diverse and vibrant, and everything I love about the City of Parramatta”, Davis said.
“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.
“This funding will help Harris Park put its best foot forward and build on what this popular precinct has to offer, as Parramatta continues its incredible transformation.”
