Grant to create pocket park in Pakington Street

PAKINGTON Street will get a new “pocket park” as part of a state government program to improve Victoria’s multicultural business precincts.

Through the Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program, 37 council-led projects will receive a collective $6 million, with councils, business groups and traders working together to deliver the improvements and promote cultural diversity.

Announced by Geelong MP Christine Couzens at this year’s edition of Pako Festa on Saturday, the $250,000 grant for Pakington Street will deliver a welcoming pocket park to host multicultural gatherings, events and integrated art-creating opportunities, and encourage visitors to shop, dine and engage with local businesses.

Designed for multicultural gatherings, events and integrated art, it will also drive visitors to shop and dine at local businesses in Geelong West.

The City of Greater Geelong will work with the Geelong West Traders Association to develop the park.

“We’re proud to support multicultural traders and precincts – they are a vital part of our economy, and they bring local communities closer together,” Couzens said,

“This project will ensure Pakington Street continues to be a vibrant, accessible and inclusive space that supports local businesses, community events and visitor experiences.”

Under the Multicultural Business Precinct Revitalisation Program, grant amounts range from $50,000 up to $250,000 per precinct.

Local councils are making a co-contribution of at least 20 per cent of the grant value towards each project.

“From Broadmeadows to Geelong, St Albans to Robinvale, and Oakleigh to Footscray, our state’s multicultural business precincts are vibrant hubs of trade, activity, food and culture,” Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman said.

“We are supporting our shopping strips to be vibrant and safe – our small and family businesses are the backbone of our communities.

“When we back local businesses, we back local jobs and local families.”