The City of Sydney’s $30 million Urban Renewal Program of Kings Cross has inspired a wave of new development, renovations and changes. During the past year, the City has received more than 50 development applications from businesses in the area near the streetscape work on Darlinghurst Road.
“The fact that these business owners are investing in their own future certainly suggests a high level of confidence in the continued prosperity of Kings Cross,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
More than 20,000 people visited the Cross in December as part of the Rediscover Kings Cross Street Festival to celebrate the completion of the upgrade and the opening of the new Neighbourhood Service Centre and community library.
“The streetscape upgrade and community facilities will provide a legacy for the next 50 years for the diverse community that visits and lives in the Cross,” the Lord Mayor said. “The City is committed to retaining the character of the Cross while ensuring its survival as a residential, tourist and entertainment hub.”
The development applications lodged include alterations and additions to existing businesses, refurbishments, extensions to premises and new businesses including cafes and restaurants.
Ian Campbell, from the Kings Cross Partnership and Principal of Ray White Real Estate Potts Point, said the upgrade has generated an optimistic outlook for many of the retail traders.
“Many business owners are talking with a great deal of confidence about the signs of revitalisation in the local shopping area,” he said. “This is shown by the opening of new traders including upmarket hairdressing salons, quality giftware stores, florists and food stores.
“The local community senses renewed optimism about the prospects for business activity in the area and the commencement of the fresh food markets in the Fitzroy Gardens in early 2005 will add a new shopping dimension to the area.”
