Unleashing Palmy’s CBD

The bright blue Palmy Unleashed logo will soon become a familiar sight around the City’s CBD. Palmy Unleashed is ready to help bring the city centre’s streets and public spaces to life with community-run events and activities.

Leading the Council funded initiative is Palmy Unleashed Coordinator Nicole Canning.

“I was drawn to this role because I wanted to play a part in changing the way people talk about our city,” says Nicole. “I’m a proud born and bred Palmy girl. It’s the people that make a place and I’m excited to work with people to really bring this city to life.”

Creating a vibrant and energetic city we can all be proud of is a vision held by Palmerston North City Council.

“If you’re a business, community group or just an individual with an idea, Palmy Unleashed is here to support you and make it easier to run events in the central city.”

Some of the support Palmy Unleashed can provide includes, funding, event planning guidance, booking public spaces, and assistance with navigating Council processes.

“Whether it’s a small or medium-sized event or idea, we’re happy to talk. It could be a pre-school bubble session, a tai-chi class, a hot rod rally or a concert – however, the more unexpected, the better. All we ask is that the event or activity is open to everyone, situated in the city centre, or makes use of public spaces such as laneways and carparks and helps to bring people in during off-peak times.

“We are asking people to see or re-imagine how we can use our CBD public spaces, and then we can assist with empowering them to do it. I’m happy to talk to anyone with an idea.”

The Thursday Night Street Feast was an example of Council working closely with an event organiser . While the event organiser Street Food Concepts managed the trucks and marketing, Council staff assisted with making the site suitable in areas such as traffic management, lighting, power and also assisted with event promotion, administrative support and a monthly review on event’s financial sustainability.

“Sometimes all these elements can seem overwhelming – but we don’t want them to stop great ideas becoming realities.We’re here to make it fun and easy. That’s what Palmy Unleashed is all about.”

Upcoming events Palmy Unleashed is working with include live street art working alongside Native Tattoos and Safe As Gallery in Coleman Mall this Saturday during the Spring Blossom Festival. On 17 October, Beats Bites and Brushes 2.0 will run from 12 – 9pm down Berryman’s Lane, continuing the world-class street art along the laneway with live street art and music.

There is also a plan to work with event organisers of a Latin Fiesta featuring Latin food trucks, Latin music and dance, happening outside The Globe Theatre on 14 October.

Anyone wanting to chat to Palmy Unleashed Coordinator Nicole Canning can contact her on (027) 429 5771 or nicole.canning@pncc.govt.nz,or through social media channels including Facebook.

ENDS

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