Oxford Street Village 'will benefit' from makeover

By 2030, the population of Sydney's Oxford Street Village could grow to 18,900 - up from the current figure of 17,300, according to the City of Sydney.

The area is part of the local authority's 2030 in Your Village scheme, which sets out plans to foster "a stronger sense of place and community" while preserving the character and future visions of a number of targeted communities in the NSW capital city.

Sydney City Council has also published information about the make-up of the community that could prove useful to those considering a Sydney property investment.

As Australia's heartland for the lesbian, gay, trangender and transsexual communities, Oxford Street Village is known as one of the nation's most diverse and accepting areas.

It is home to a popular market at Taylor Square and average wealth in the area is on the rise. On the whole, higher education is valued in the community - an estimated 30 per cent of its residents have a bachelor degree or higher.

As part of the City of Sydney's plans to preserve the Oxford Street Village for future generations, it has pledged to take action to preserve heritage buildings in the area, as well as parks and green spaces.

Other plans - which may be attractive to prospective tenants who are newcomers to the city - may include improved transport links. These, according to the local council, are likely to feature light rail, which will provide a more efficient way of reaching the CBD and the eastern suburbs.

Public art and walking trails will be used to foster a spirit of community, while revitalisation efforts will focus on improving the Oxford Street Village precinct to better support local businesses.

New projects, including community gardens and mentorship schemes, may also encourage residents to get to know one another.

Community workshops will be hosted in March for local residents to discuss the city's preliminary plans for the Oxford Street Village, as well as nine other neighbourhoods targeted in the 2030 in Your Village scheme.

These include communities at Glebe Point Road, Redfern Street, Green Square and City South, Harris Street and the CBD and harbour precincts.

Draft plans for each village group will be made available online before a series of discussion workshops are held from the end of February to early April.

Posted by Grace Neale