Shopping strips in Preston and Thornbury will share in $100,000 in improvements as part of the Victorian Government’s Neighbourhood Activity Centre Renewal Fund.

Gilbert Street Shopping Strip and Oakover Village in Preston, as well as the Thornbury Shopping Strip will get revamps such as upgrades to walking and cycling paths, tree plantings and public art installations, safety upgrades for pedestrians, installation of LED lighting and pop-up facilities.

The grant has been awarded to Darebin Council as part of a $3 million State Government program providing dozens of local suburban shopping strips with funds to stimulate their local economies.

The on-ground works will create local jobs, improve public amenities and support local businesses, including retailers, cafes, restaurants and service providers. The program is part of the work the State Government is doing to accelerate the economy post-coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery.

The Victorian Government is supporting businesses through the $534 million Business Support Package. This is in addition to $6 billion in economic relief invested since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

For more information on the government’s Business Support Package visit https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-package.

Quotes attributable to Kat Theophanous, Labor Member for Northcote

“Preston and Thornbury have been hit hard by this pandemic and we are investing to give businesses the resources they need to get back on their feet.”

“These improvements to our local streetscapes are just one way we can support local jobs and local businesses as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic.”