Chamber secretary Susan Ticehurst said the renewal is about ensuring that Inverell maintains its standing as a leading business centre in the New England region.

“It needs to maintain that it is the shopping precinct of the area and draw as many customers into the town as possible,” she said. 

The plan to replant street trees in a centre median strip aims to capitalise on the heritage value of the existing streetscape, while also addressing the issue of the root structures of existing Plane Trees undermining the foundations of the pedestrian walkways and shopfronts. The plan will mark the first major CBD renewal effort in over a decade. 

Chamber of Commerce member Wendy Wilks said beautifying town centres to attract shoppers, and provide a uniquely local experience, was becoming the trend among surrounding communities.

“A lot of our current way of life is about having … ambiance that gives you an atmosphere that you want to be in. It gives you a good feel for the place,” Mrs Wilks said.

“The main street is our asset and I can’t see why we wouldn't protect that and make it as beautiful as we can.

“I think anything that we can do that shows we are progressive is going to help continue to keep people coming to town like they do now.”

The Chamber said they had found most local businesses owners were in support of the renewal plan to address issues created by the maturation of the existing streetscape. Mrs Wilks said it is critical for the community to progress and to innovate in an effort to maintain the high reputation Inverell holds among its regional neighbours.

“If we leave it to disintegrate or get old and tired, then that is what we are projecting,” she said.

“We can’t stagnate. Inverell doesn't do that. We keep going.” 

The Chamber of Commerce said they would encourage businesses to come on board and support the plan that aims to continue to raise the commercial and community profile of Inverell as a leader in the New England area.