Big ideas for Newcastle backed by SBR city centre funding

Newcastle's brightest minds in business, placemaking and culture will share in $850,000 of City of Newcastle funding that has delivered homegrown hits Shakespeare under the Stars, Sculptures at Scratchley and Big Picture Fest. 

Whale Chorus Creative Director Janie Gibson and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes

The latest Special Business Rates (SBR) funding round is open to applicants from Monday, offering a chance to back big ideas for Darby Street and the City Centre. 

Recent successful applicants for SBR funding include the seaside spectacular Sculptures at Scratchley, street art blockbuster Big Picture Fest and popular Shakespeare under the Stars event by creative Janie Gibson who also leads Voices of Joan, the acclaimed production now headlining the Sydney Fringe Festival. 

In an effort to increase the benefits to local businesses the SBR program will now encourage successful recipients to source at least 75 per cent of the associated supplies and services from businesses within the precinct.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle through SBR funding has a proud record of strengthening the social, economic and cultural fabric of the city.

"This investment enriches local business precincts, and City of Newcastle takes pride in supporting events and initiatives that promote our city and boost our economy," Cr Nelmes said.

"One benefit SBR is that it has supported Newcastle's astonishing grassroots arts and cultural scene, with new events and activations drawing thousands of people to the city." 

Janie Gibson, Creative Director of Whale Chorus Theatre Company, is also the award-winning creator of the SBR-backed Joan of Arc reimagining Voices of Joan, who brought Shakespeare Under the Stars to thousands in Pacific Park in December with support through the funding.

Ms Gibson said the SBR funding can be a springboard for Novocastrians with big ideas

"The SBR program is an incredible initiative that invites creative activations to enrich our city. We had almost 2000 people come to Shakespeare Under the Stars last year," Ms Gibson said.

"It is so exciting to see our city's places come alive with theatre and bring our community together. I would encourage anyone with a great idea to apply."

Kendall Brooks, Chair of the Newcastle City Centre Business Improvement Association, said the provision for grant recipients to source local in their projects would be a win for the whole community.

“The Special Business Rates grants program provides a range of opportunities and supports events, activations, beautification, and other innovative projects within the precinct,” Ms Brooks said. 

“These initiatives directly benefit local businesses by increasing visitation and enhancing the precinct so it becomes an even more lively and attractive destination for dining, shopping, and leisure.”

Earlier this year, City of Newcastle took applications for a pool of $90,000 in SBR funding for projects in Wallsend and Hamilton.

The latest successful projects for Wallsend are Curious Legends’ Halloween event at Wallsend and Purple Card Project's Wallsend Op Shop Trail. For Hamilton, the latest successful project is the Newcastle Fringe Festival 2025.

Expressions of interest for Darby Street and City Centre SBR funding open September 2 and close at 4pm October 7, 2024.

City of Newcastle will host online public information sessions on the process at 11am, September 10 and 5pm, September 12, 2024.

For more information including registration for the sessions visit: Special Business Rates Program - City of Newcastle (nsw.gov.au)