Willoughby City council’s Roaming Gnomes initiative has delivered an immediate economic recovery for Chatswood businesses, after recent data recorded an $8.5 million spending boost for the area.
Roaming Gnomes, which was launched in the Chatswood CBD in May this year, formed part of council’s Culture Bites program to stimulate economic activity and visitation to help the centre recover from COVID-19.
The initiative was estimated to have drawn 210,000 visitors and featured 12 giant inflatable gnomes in key public areas, which saw crowds gather together and get involved in activities over the 23-day event.
According to council, visitors on average spent $40 and stayed for around three hours in the Chatswood CBD.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said the Roaming Gnomes offered Sydneysiders an incentive to discover Chatswood’s point of difference.
“Our Culture Bites program is all about maintaining Chatswood as the cultural heart of the North Shore and capitalising on opportunities to attract theatre, music, art, events and more to the CBD,” said Ms Taylor.
“I’m heartened to see the Roaming Gnomes has helped local businesses thrive as we continue to bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19.”