Wollongong City Council has today launched its new Wollongong Investment Prospectus, a document aimed at pitching to businesses considering Wollongong as an investment destination.
The Council says the city’s streetscape is changing, not just with the supply of A-grade offices available in newly built and pipeline developments but through its changing dining and entertainment scene.
A Council audit in January recorded more than 180 small bars, restaurants, and cafés in the city’s CBD.
Council General Manager, Greg Doyle said Wollongong had much to offer businesses.
“From a business perspective there are a variety of distinct business environments across the City to grow, diversify or establish,” he said.
“It’s great to see local businesses decide to make further investment. This is being complemented by Canberra and Sydney companies looking at Wollongong to invest.
“Many businesses and new residents tell us that they choose Wollongong for its lifestyle. Our proximity to both Sydney Airports and Sydney CBD means that we are within easy reach. We’re in the prime location for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed pace and lifestyle while also having easy access to the rest of the world.”
Mr Doyle said Wollongong connection to the natural landscape also added to the city’s liveability.
“Wollongong is a place for those who want to be able to access everything they need, as well as engage with and enjoy our environment,” he said.
“Wollongong also offers a highly skilled workforce and connected business network. Business, not for profits, and government are invested in growing the capability of talent here. There are a range of institutions actively focused on supporting workforce capability and knowledge including the University of Wollongong, a world-class research and teaching university.
“At the same time, Wollongong is emerging as a key hub for clean energy investment and innovation. Recent government zoning declarations and funding for businesses developing hydrogen energy tech are putting the Port Kembla area – located just 10 kilometres south of the Wollongong CBD – on the cusp of a clean energy boom,” Mr Doyle said.
Over the last three years, the Wollongong CBD has seen over 30,000 square metres of new A-grade stock added to the market making the city a compelling offer for business, he said.
“Wollongong City Council is committed to supporting a sustainable, innovative economy. Part of that means we have a commitment to helping grow the number of available jobs for our residents.”
“Increasing jobs for our community is one of the three goals in Council’s Economic Development Strategy. In practice, this means that we have a target to generate 10,500 net new jobs in the next decade.
“According to the latest figures from the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR), we have now achieved 64% of our target in the first 4 years, with 6,730 net new jobs created since 2018.
“We’ve developed our latest Investment Prospectus to showcase the benefits of doing business in the Wollongong CBD. It’s our resume, so to speak, for businesses looking to do something a bit different.”
Download a copy of the Investment Prospectus.
