Plan for vibrant alley

Busselton businesses are pushing for an alleyway redevelopment in the CBD to revitalise the area and deter criminal and anti-social behaviour.

Bistro Breton’s Fanny Lidou and Mono’s Tom Hawkwood told the Timesthey had each recently been burgled and felt the laneway behind their businesses was a hub for antisocial behaviour.

Mr Hawkwood said a street festival or thoroughfare would breathe life into the area to make it a space people wanted to use.

“I’m surprised about the amount of crime in Busselton,” Mr Hawkwood said.

“I think you’re one of the few if you haven’t had an incident.”

Mrs Lidou said cleaning up the laneway would help her new business. “A festival or mural here in the alleyway would liven up the CBDm which we think has a lot to offer,” she said.

Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Jo Richards said the difficulty in activating the laneway was motivating owners to apply for a shared local Government grant.

“We want to show the possibilities in terms of CBD activation in using the laneways in Busselton,” she said.

“Not only will it deter the anti-social behaviour, but it will also provide opportunities for locals and tourists to have an enjoyable experience and for businesses to diversify and grow.”

Petty theft has also been an issue at More Cafe, Mr Kebab and Turkish Bakery, Woolworths, Coles and Hilzeez. Taking the lead of Dunsborough’s historic Hannay Lane, which has undergone revitalisation work and now hosts popular events, the aim is for local artists to design and paint murals that depict the history of Bussel-ton, local characters and champions.

City of Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said the City was open to the concept if the applicant could demonstrate broad community benefit.

“Interested persons can also submit a funding application to the City’s Marketing and Events Funding round — the next round of applications open in March 2019,” he said.

“Alternatively there is also funding available through the City’s small donations fund that may be suitable for such an event or initiative.”