“The PCBDC’s [program] is a positive step towards addressing the myriad of challenges faced by the businesses, property owners and the general community in the Penrith City Centre,” a council report said when commenting on PCBDC’s Triennial Business Plan, 2013-2016..
“The plan positions the PCBDC as an initiator of actions to enhance the CBD as well as a key collaborator with council in the revitalisation of the city centre.”
“It is anticipated the creation of the PCBDC will result in a more professional approach to the management of the Penrith City Centre.”
The PCBDC’s vision is underpinned by its three core outcome principles or values for the Penrith City Centre, namely:
Activate the centre by encouraging people to explore opportunities for entertainment, leisure and business at all times of the day and evening; rejuvenate the presentation of the businesses, buildings and public spaces in the centre; and populate the centre with additional business customers, visitors and new businesses, and in the long term, more residents.
The formation of the PCBDC resulted from a review which council undertook in 2011 of both the Penrith and St Marys associations to ascertain whether the association structure had achieved the desired outcomes of economic growth and maintained the vitality of the centres over the previous 13 years.
Following this review council endorsed the creation of a corporation structure led by a board representing a broad range of community interests.
“Crucial to the success of the PCBDC will be the harnessed partnerships with Penrith City Council, the Penrith Business Alliance, the Business Enterprise Centre and the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few,” said Owen Rogers, PCBDC chairman.
Other board members are: Cr Bernard Bratusa, Penrith City Council, Darren Latty, PRD Nationwide, David Moreton, Westfield, Debbie O’Connor, White River Design, Michael Todd, Penrith Business Advisory Centre, Tiffany Martinez, Sydney University, Warwick Stimson, Stimson Consulting Service, and Vanessa Graydon, The Business Arc and Skipton Café.
The budget for the first year of the PCBDC’s 2013-2016 business plan is $300,000. The Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce is “very supportive” of the PCBDC.
“Visible improvements along High Street are evidence of the presence and commitment of the Penrith CBD Corp.” said chamber president, Peter McGhee
The business plan for the St Marys Town Centre Corporation is expected to be tabled in the near future.
