Hornsby Shire Council has secured NSW Government funding to investigate Purple Flag accreditation for Hornsby Town Centre, helping advance plans for a vibrant, welcoming and well-managed evening economy in the heart of the Shire.
The funding has been awarded through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Purple Flag Readiness Grant Program, which supports councils to explore, assess and strengthen their night-time precincts through the internationally recognised Purple Flag framework focused on governance, safety, accessibility, diversity and visitor experience.
The grant will complement Hornsby’s ongoing work to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct trial and build a thriving town centre that serves residents, businesses and visitors both day and night.
Mayor, Warren Waddell said the funding builds on significant work already underway to plan for the revitalisation of Hornsby Town Centre and prepare for future growth.
“Hornsby is about to experience an exciting period of change, and Council has a range of projects underway to support a more vibrant, connected and attractive town centre,” he said.
“This latest funding will help us to build on the momentum of the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce’s Hornsby After Dark project by exploring Purple Flag accreditation, an internationally recognised benchmark for night-time destinations that are welcoming and enjoyable places to visit.
“Exploring Purple Flag accreditation will help us to further build partnerships with stakeholders in the town centre and bring together passionate businesses and community representatives who want to help shape a vibrant, welcoming and well-managed town centre – from wellbeing and infrastructure to place governance.”
The Purple Flag Readiness Grant will support Council to build on other projects already underway in Hornsby Town Centre, including the Hornsby After Dark project and Council’s Special Entertainment Precinct project, which aims to create greater opportunities for businesses, events and entertainment venues to operate in the evening. Together, these initiatives support Council’s broader vision for a vibrant and connected town centre.
Purple Flag is an international accreditation program operating in more than 100 locations worldwide and recognises excellence in night-time precinct management.
Funding from the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Purple Flag Readiness Grant Program will enable Council to work with local businesses, government agencies and community stakeholders to assess the Hornsby Town Centre precinct against Purple Flag standards and identify opportunities to strengthen the local night-time economy while exploring working towards achieving a Purple Flag accreditation.
For more information about the future of Hornsby Town Centre, visit https://yoursay.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/hornsby-town-centre-masterplan.
