Part of Cardiff's town centre is set to be transformed into a shared seating and entertainment area.
The changes form part of a pilot program run in partnership by local councils and the NSW Government.
The program aims to increase foot-traffic in communities around the state, and Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser has faith it will prove successful.
"Businesses have been doing it tough coming off the back of COVID, so we're wanting to breathe some new life into those areas. Cardiff is an ideal location to do that," she said.
The project will see part of Veronica Street closed, to make way for bench and shaded seating, trees, pavement artwork and a stage in the town centre.
The temporary installment, called Veronica Place, will run for four months from October 2022, until April 2023, and Lake Macquarie Council has said three events will be held at the site during that time.
"It will activate the area, not only during the day but at night-time as well," Cr Fraser said.
As part of the program, Council will monitor the site's usage to determine if it should become a permanent fixture.
Cr Fraser is encouraging the community to take advantage of the spared space.
"COVID has been very isolating, so spaces like this will encourage residents of all ages to reconnect and socialise with each other," she said.
She also said the installation will have positive flow-on effects for local businesses.
"People will be walking around the main street, they'll spend money. So you'll have more people in Cardiff using the shops."
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| Kay Fraser at the site of Veronica Place in Cardiff |
