Canberra’s City Centre is undergoing an exciting transformation! At the heart of this revitalization is the **City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy**, an initiative that’s turning the area into a vibrant hub loved by locals and visitors alike. If you’re curious about how this funding is reshaping the capital’s core, read on!
The Driving Force Behind Canberra’s Revitalization
The **City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy** is a collaborative endeavor funded by commercial property owners in the City Centre and Braddon. Together with the **City Renewal** funding, this levy plays a crucial role in energizing the city. Each year, property owners and the City Renewal contribute matched funding to bring creativity and life to Canberra.
So, what does this mean for you? The funds raised directly support exciting initiatives, including **lively events**, creative public space activations, and enhanced cleanliness and maintenance. These seemingly small touches collectively create a significant impact, making the city more charming, inviting, and conducive to increased foot traffic and local spending.
Creating Unforgettable Experiences
Throughout the year, the levy facilitates a dynamic calendar of events that not only draw people into the city but also encourage exploration and support for local businesses. Check out these highlights:
- The Nature of Things, which transformed Glebe Park during the Enlighten Festival, connected around **20,000 people** with the beauty of nature through an immersive art experience.
- La Fiesta brings the vibrancy of Latin American culture to Canberra with captivating music, dance, and food, attracting **around 5,000 attendees** every year.
- Festive Finds in the City spreads holiday cheer with colorful markets and entertainment, encouraging locals to shop in their own community during the festive season.
- Play Outside Day and the monthly **Paws Parties** in Haig Park have enlivened the park as a beloved community space for families and pet enthusiasts.
La Fiesta transforms City West into a bustling Latin American Plaza, celebrating art and culture.
Empowering Innovative Community Ideas
The **City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy** also champions the **Placemaking Grants program**, designed to empower local artists, entrepreneurs, and community groups to bring public spaces to life. Some standout projects that have emerged include:
- The iconic **Big Swoop**, which even made it onto a commemorative coin.
- Pop-up engaging events like the Braddon Busking Festival.
- Elsie’s Film House, a creative activation bringing the community together for cinema in Civic Square.
Other noteworthy projects include world-class skateboarding events during the Belco Bowl Jam weekend, community bike rides with Pedal Power, and innovative hubs like Blank. These initiatives foster energy and strengthen connections within the community.
Thanks to a Placemaking Grant, Blank has transformed a vacant space into a vibrant community venue for creatives.
Keeping Our City Pristine and Welcoming
While the levy enriches the city through events and activations, it also funds essential behind-the-scenes services. The dedicated **Place Team** starts work each day at 5:25 a.m., engaging in activities like cleaning pavements, removing graffiti, tending gardens, and adding beautiful touches with flowers and carefully maintained furniture. These efforts ensure the city remains clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
Additionally, the levy supports small yet impactful projects, such as creating garden beds along City Walk that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide spaces for relaxation. A crucial initiative, the St John’s Ambulance CBR Night Crew, offers safety support for those enjoying a night out, having aided **11,000 people** in 2024 alone.
The City Renewal Place Team dedicates **12,000 hours** annually to cleaning and maintaining the city.
Excitement on the Horizon: Winter in the City
From **5-19 July 2025**, the highly anticipated Winter in the City event promises **15 days** of free entertainment, drawing locals and tourists alike to enjoy the winter magic. Co-funded by the Levy, this event is expected to generate significant economic benefits—last year’s festivities brought in around **$2.72 million** for City Centre businesses.
Be ready for spectacular fire performances returning to Canberra’s City Centre this July!
Discover the Impact of the Levy
At its core, the **City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy** is an essential partnership among commercial ratepayers, the City Renewal Authority, and the ACT Government, aimed at enhancing the growth, economy, culture, and vibrancy of both the City Centre and Braddon.
Want to dive deeper? Read more about the City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy here.
