August 13, 2021 | By Graeme Kemlo
Adelaide, currently free from the lockdown hovering over the east coast, has announced an immediate $1.34 million program to reignite business and events in the city.
Adelaide City Council’s Reignite program is designed to encourage visitation, economic recovery and growth across the city and North Adelaide. It features free parking and greater support for the retail, events, hospitality and construction sectors.
“Our city businesses have had an extremely difficult 18 months and we are exploring ways to boost their income with more customers while also lowering their costs,” says Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor.
“Reignite Adelaide will attract people to the CBD with events, activities, free parking and lower fees.”
Council has removed the fee for events staged in Adelaide for the next 12 months to encourage event organisers “to create fresh, diverse works in the CBD, attracting visitors and supporting businesses alike”.
The hospitality sector is expected to specifically benefit from free evening and weekend parking, fast-tracking of outdoor dining permits for bars, restaurants and cafes, and use of up to a $150,000 from the Tree Development Fund to create greener, safer outdoor dining spaces.
Planning and development application fees will also be waived until September for businesses looking to install temporary activations which aim to bring people back to the city.
Developers will benefit from 50 percent discount on permit and development applications as well as building and construction permits until October 1.