The Hon. Michael McCormack MP this week announced $4.2 million in funding under the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund towards delivering the project.

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM welcomed the Deputy Prime Ministers’ announcement and congratulated all who were involved in developing the project including the community input into the CBD Vibrancy Strategy.

“The CBD is the community's most important meeting space - it's where locals and visitors come to shop, eat and drink, attend events and utilise community facilities on a daily basis,” Cr Keith said.

“This funding has a two-fold benefit; it will provide a much needed upgrade to lower Clarinda Street which will in turn stimulate business and investment, and the Multipurpose Centre will open up opportunities to grow the cultural capacity of our community and build events tourism.”

Mr McCormack said “a project of this scale – with a total cost close to $8.5 million – would help put Parkes on the map as a destination for tourism and business events.”

“This project will help take festivals such as the Parkes Elvis Festival to the next level as well as attract further business opportunities and other events to boost the local economy.”

The Parkes CBD Vibrancy Strategy is a new urban renewal approach adopted by Parkes Shire Council in July, 2016 that aims to inject new life and vitality into areas of the Parkes CBD lacking vibrancy.

Cr Keith said, “the project will re-develop southern Clarinda Street with footpath upgrades, lighting and smart technology, street furniture and green areas to feed into Cooke Park to the new multi-use function and event centre.”

“This is a significant infrastructure project for Parkes Shire that will drive growth in the local and regional economy and deliver social benefits through increased community pride, cohesion and well being.” “Council looks forward to delivering these projects in consultation with the community.”