RENEW Tropical Douglas is a program designed to enliven and activate the streets across our region. Douglas Shire Council, a Small Business Friendly Council, was selected to participate in Cohort 2 of the Regional Place Activation Program delivered in partnership with Queensland Small Business Commissioner and supported by RENEW Australia.
The program involves collaborating with property owners to offer local participants: creatives, solo operators, small businesses and entrepreneurs rent free access to vacant commercial spaces in main streets and town centres. The overarching goal is not only to foster the evolution of local small businesses and cultivate more vibrant and active precincts but also to secure long term leases for property owners.
A ‘creative’ is anyone who makes or creates their own wares or IP. This can be fine arts, makers, designers, architects, growers, educators, performers, game designers, social enterprise, community groups and much more.
The RENEW model is set up for success with proven templates, tools, agreements, licences and insurance provided.
How It Works
- Council representatives engage with property agents and owners to negotiate a rent free 30 day rolling licence
- Council and RENEW Australia run an Expression of Intertest for creative and small businesses to participate
- Participants are curated for the space with a view to developing a successful enterprise in an appropriate space with a view to being able to convert to a long term commercial lease
- While the enterprise occupies the space, the ‘For Lease’ sign remains in the window, allowing agents to showcase a vibrant space to other potential lessees.
- Public liability and broken glass insurance annexes the property though the program, and all utilities and connection fees are paid by the participant.
- Council representatives manage the participants during their time in the program with monthly check-ins and reporting
RENEW Tropical Douglas aims to revitalise the streetscape, support new business, secure leases for property owners, bolster the community.
For Participants Renew Australia Regional Place Activation Program: Participant Expression of Interest
For Commercial Property Owners – please contact enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au
