Edgeware Becomes First Suburb to Receive Revitalisation Funding

The first grant from the recently announced fund to support suburban business communities has been confirmed, with Edgeware Village businesses the very proud recipients.

The grant comes from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, which last month announced it was giving up to $140,000 towards the revitalisation of earthquake-affected suburban precincts. The funding is being distributed through Recover Canterbury, with each application to the fund requiring approval from the Trust.
Edgeware Village has just been approved to receive a $10,000 grant from the fund. That funding, along with financial support from the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust as well as the businesses themselves, will go towards a planned promotional campaign for Edgeware Village. The campaign will include mailbox drops, advertising, the development of a website and Edgeware Village brand, physical signage and the hosting of a pre-Christmas event.

Edgeware Business Association spokesperson Chris Timbs says they are amazed and privileged to receive this support from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

“This is going to make a massive difference to the businesses in Edgeware, especially those that are just re-opening now. With the extensive disruption in Edgeware many locals have changed their habits and are now by-passing Edgeware. This funding is going to help us turn that around by promoting Edgeware as the local Village that is well and truly open again for business,” says Chris.

The Edgeware Business Association was formed after the earthquakes as the businesses fought forced closure, massive disruption caused by infrastructure works and customer flight. Chris Timbs says the formation of the Association was one of the positive elements to come out of the quakes.

“Forming the Association brought all the businesses together and got us working in the same direction, and we are getting real value from that already. We have accepted that we are a small Village and that gives us a uniqueness and charm, which is what we are now working together to promote.

“With so much negativity around at the moment this is such positive news for our business association and our community,” says Chris.

Recover Canterbury Business Recovery Coordinator Sonia Prince has been working closely with the Edgeware Village businesses who she says are very worthy of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust’s support.

“The Edgeware Village businesses have developed a very strong business network in a very short space of time. They have worked proactively to develop a clear plan to promote their suburb and bring back the much needed retail activity, which will benefit the not only these businesses but also the wider community,” says Sonia.

Recover Canterbury is working with a number of other suburban precincts which may be suitable for funding from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust including Rangiora, Papanui, Merivale, Sydenham, Lyttelton and Kaiapoi. Any other suburban business groups interested in this initiative can contact Recover Canterbury on 0800 50 50 96 or at www.recovercanterbury.co.nz.
ends

© Scoop Media