REVITALISING COMMUNITY SPACES: THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPACT OF PLACEMAKING
By Christopher Manoski and Daniel Cavallo,, Cumberland City Council
Public spaces are more than just physical locations where people gather. They are the heartbeats of communities, venues where social interaction, cultural expression, and economic activities converge. In recent years, placemaking has emerged as a powerful approach to urban planning and design that revitalises these spaces, fostering not only community cohesion but also economic vitality. This article explores the transformative role of placemaking in economic development, focusing on the practical example of the Guildford Laneway revitalisation project in western Sydney’ s Cumberland City Council area. By examining the policy context, economic characteristics of the region and practical outcomes, this piece highlights how placemaking, when strategically integrated with economic development goals, can unlock latent potential in local economies.
UNDERSTANDING PLACEMAKING AND ITS ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE Placemaking is a holistic, communitycentred approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. It seeks to create environments that are safe, accessible, vibrant and meaningful to the people who use them. Traditionally, placemaking has emphasised community engagement, public safety and urban aesthetics. However, a growing body of evidence now points to its significant role in supporting local economic development.
Well-executed placemaking initiatives can catalyse economic growth by attracting foot traffic, encouraging longer visits and enhancing the reputation of a locality as a desirable place to live, work, and invest. These effects can be particularly important in areas suffering from economic disadvantage or social challenges, where reinvigorated public spaces can stimulate business activity and community participation.
ECONOMIC PROFILE OF CUMBERLAND CITY COUNCIL Cumberland City Council, situated in western Sydney, covers a diverse urban area home to approximately 250,000 residents. The local government area( LGA) is characterised by a young and multicultural population, with a rich tapestry of cultures contributing to its social fabric and economic potential. The local economy features a mixture of retail, manufacturing, services and emerging small business sectors.
Cumberland has seen steady population growth and urban development over the past decade, but it also faces challenges
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