Create, Innovate Gosford City launch May 2011
How did Create Innovate Gosford City come about ? What is its current role?
The project was initiated in 2011 by members of the community, business organisations and artists. It is focused on developing and attracting creative industries into the empty shops in Gosford city centre. Create Innovate Gosford City (CIGC) finds empty spaces for creative industry projects and develops the individual projects through business development.
We liaise with property owners and real estate agents. It is auspiced by Gosford Business Improvement District Association and partners include Gosford City Council, Arts NSW, the Department of Trade & Investment and the Gosford Chamber of Commerce. It is staffed by a project manager.
What are your current projects?
We are working with Newcastle University’s Business faculty to allow students to develop business and marketing plans for CIGC’s projects and providing an opportunity for local high school students to display and sell their end of year school works.
What have been your main achievements to date?
Honeydew Gallery is the first shop to take part presenting locally produced craft art and giftware and was launched in May 2011. The second project is the Somers McCourt Gallery. There have now been five projects in total but, as is the nature of empty spaces initiatives, there are currently three projects.
Opening Somers McCourt Gallery July 2011
What makes Create Innovate Gosford City special?
It is unique in that it is a key factor in revitalizing Gosford’s city centre which has lain dormant for over 20 years. The region has a large creative industry sector that has mostly gone unnoticed until now. It also has one of the highest youth unemployment/training rates in NSW, which are two areas that will be focused on in addition to filling the empty spaces.
What are your plans for the future?
We are planning to:
- incorporate and adopt a skills based advisory board
- implement the business plan developed by UTS students
- source sustainable funding streams
- secure empty spaces through the development of key relationships with property owners/landlords
- place five new projects
- explore opportunities to work with university students, local schools and community partnerships, and
- incorporate Create, Innovate Gosford City into Gosford’s masterplan strategy for the ciity’s revitalization.
Although Gosford city centre boasts a high vacancy rate we currently have more projects than available shops. We propose to work with the local property owner group who represent the main landlords within the city centre to further source more vacant spaces.
What are your main challenges?
Funding and sourcing spaces.
Want to find out more about Create Innovate Gosford City?
Website: www.createinnovategosfordcity.com.au
Email: info@createinnovategosfordcity.com.au
