Project Type: Place Strategy, Engagement and Vision Workshoping
Year: 2024
Client: Investment NSW
Following the outstanding successes of our first two Uptown programs in 2022 and 2023, Reactivate Consulting is thrilled to announce the successful completion of Uptown 3.0 in July. This year’s program has been the most ambitious yet, extending across the Greater Sydney Region, including Illawarra, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Newcastle - Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, and the Central Coast. Uptown 3.0 hosted four expansive workshops, preparing teams to realize the vision of fostering vibrant and sustainable local districts capable of thriving in a 24-hour economy.
Our ongoing partnership with Investment NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy has enabled the Uptown Accelerator Program to support a diverse array of districts. Each participating team brought unique insights and aspirations to the workshops, crafting bespoke visions for their respective districts.
Mirroring the structure of our previous programs, Uptown 3.0 maintained a strong focus on practical outcomes and community engagement. Participants from various districts worked tirelessly to develop comprehensive strategies that highlight and leverage their unique cultural and economic assets. The program facilitated in-depth discussions on how best to support main streets and local economies, offering tailored guidance on activation strategies that resonate with community needs and values.
The workshops this year not only aimed to build upon the foundational skills provided in earlier iterations—such as stakeholder participation and partnership development—but also expanded to help teams understand and capitalize on regional opportunities. By exploring successful town center precedents and innovative activation strategies, districts were encouraged to envision and enact plans that foster long-term economic and cultural vibrancy.
As we reflect on the achievements of Uptown 3.0, it’s clear that the expanded scope and regional inclusivity have immensely enriched the program. The diverse settings provided fresh challenges and new perspectives, enriching the collaborative process and underscoring the importance of adaptability and community-led development.
We look forward to the continued growth of the districts involved and are excited to see how each will evolve into self-sustaining hubs of activity and creativity. Stay tuned for our District Showcase, where teams will present their visionary plans and initiatives aimed at revitalizing and enhancing their communities. Together, we are paving the way for a more connected and dynamic Greater Sydney, proving once again why our city is one of the world’s premier destinations for culture and community.