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Urban Centres Program

Dulwich Hill main street, Marrickville Road

Marrickville Council's Urban Centres and villages are the focal points of local culture and community life, and local businesses are a significant part of the Marrickville economy.

Council supports the economic sustainability of its local centres through the implementation of the Urban Centres Program in its four major urban centres: Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, Newtown and Petersham. The Program is funded through a special rate levy on commercial properties in each centre.

The Urban Centres Program is implemented through committees or non-profit business organisations which undertake activities outlined in annual business plans based on three-year strategic plans in each centre. The plans principally seek to enhance economic activity in the centres to ensure their future success.

Marrickville Council’s Urban Centres Program aims to:

  • Develop effective partnerships between businesses, the community and Council;
  • Improve the viability and amenity of urban centres which are vital to the local culture and life of Marrickville;
  • Create a strong local economy and increased employment growth in the area;
  • Provide a connection between economic development and urban planning issues;
  • Ensure Marrickville is a business-friendly Council; and
  • Ensure a consistent approach is taken to the development of the urban centres throughout the local government area.

For more information contact Council's Urban Centres Program Coordinator on:

Click on one of the following links for more information about Council’s urban centres:

  • Newtown Entertainment Precinct
    Newtown and its neighbouring suburbs offer a funky, alternative and vibrant street life - with cafés, pubs, theatres, affordable restaurants, emerging designers, vintage clothing and specialty stores including independent book and music outlets.
     
  • Marrickville
    Marrickville is a diverse and friendly community which features a traditional main street with with a range of places to eat and shop, including Vietnamese restaurants, continental delicatessens and haberdashery shops.
     
  • Dulwich Hill
    Dulwich Hill is an ethnically diverse, harmonious and vibrant community which features many delicious cuisines including European delicatessens, stylish cafes, an Italian sourdough bread shop, a Cypriot butcher, a Lebanese pastry house, a Portuguese traditional grill and a gourmet pizza shop.
     
  • Petersham
    Affectionately known as 'Little Portugal', Petersham has developed a distinctive identity thanks to its Portuguese influences. Petersham is home to many Portuguese restaurants, cafés and takeaway shops.