A vision for
Lismore’s CBD
We must accept that Lismore will remain vulnerable to floods in the future. We’ve explored how we keep the community safe while improving economic and social resilience.
A vibrant CBD
We want a CBD that supports business investment, attracts start-ups and provides access to affordable space for studios, labs, offices, retail and light advanced manufacturing. A centre that supports lively and diverse retail, restaurants, small bars and live performance venues, as well as infrastructure for events and conferences.
We see a future where Lismore’s CBD continues to play its critical role as a major centre for health, education, the arts and social services. Lismore becomes a magnet for young people with bold ideas who are priced out of capital cities.
Three distinct precincts develop in Lismore’s CBD, improving economic and social resilience.
A focus on innovation
Special Activation Precincts are dedicated zones in regional areas identified by the NSW Government to become thriving business and employment hubs. This program focuses on facilitating opportunities for new business growth in the Lismore CBD.
The strategy builds on existing strengths in agriculture, food, arts, and health as well as new opportunities for enterprise and education in tourism, disaster recovery and resilience. We propose three actions to achieve this vision for growth and innovation in the CBD.
1. Commercial flood-resilient retrofits
This program would support property owners in the CBD to retrofit the ground and first floors of their commercial spaces to minimise the disruption of future flood events on commercial and service operations. Summerland Bank and Multitask’s main office on Molesworth Street are excellent examples of flood-resilient retrofitting. You can also see how business owners have thought through quick and simple flood preparation at Dark Horse Espresso and Timbre. Greater confidence in the physical infrastructure will encourage new businesses to establish in the Lismore CBD.
2. Faster planning approval
Work with Lismore City Council and relevant state agencies to streamline the Development Application (DA) and Complying Development process for business activities in the CBD. Streamlining these processes will encourage new businesses to establish in Lismore.
3. Business concierge and support
There is a business concierge service for the precinct to support new businesses navigate the planning processes and make the most of support programs. There are programs for start-ups, local residencies, business development funds, space subsidies, small grants, meet-ups and mentoring.
Examples of potential activation
Parametic Monkey explores digital prototyping and manufacturing. Photo by University of Sydney.
Creative practice: a clay-extruding factory in Brooklyn’s A/D/O, New York.
A retrofitted streetscape using raingardens in Mendès France.
Bourke Street cycleway in Surry Hills, Sydney. Photo by GroupGSA.