New Council rules mean local businesses can now open up a pop-up shop in the Lismore CBD, without needing a Development Application.

Lismore City Council's Manager Economic Development Tina Irish today announced a new process to allow the pop-ups and other temporary arrangements in the Local Government Area.

"The aim is to support local businesses and community after the recent flood events. We know it will take a long time for our business community to recover," she said.

"While ensuring health, safety and meeting other feasibility constraints, Council is now allowing ‘pop-up’ businesses on a temporary basis without the need for formal DA approval.

What is a pop-up?

"We’re defining pop-ups as shops, businesses, offices, markets or community uses that operate temporarily to achieve a particular goal.

"In this case to enable CBD business trade and activation as part of the flood recovery process. 

"At this stage, we’ve identified suitable space for local business pop-ups along with community recovery agencies, at the Harold Fredericks Carpark between the Quad and Dawson Street. Local businesses may also propose pop-ups on alternative sites (private or public)."

 Coles has a pop-up shop in the Quad carpark. Read more: Coles has popped-up in the CBD

How to open a pop-up

1. If you are interested in establishing a pop-up business on a temporary basis then please first contact the Economic Development team with your queries or ideas – email business@lismore.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6625 0500. 

2. To assist Council review, please provide a pop-up business plan, including details of your floodaffected business, with a basic overview of where, when and how you seek to establish your pop-up business.

 3. Your email will be considered by Council’s Economic and Planning teams, who will follow up with you about specific queries and any conditions applicable.

 When considering the above, please note:

 • Currently construction works are prioritised across the CBD, which means available spaces for pop up businesses and other activation ideas are limited, are subject to change at short notice and will be considered in terms of safety and suitability across various Council teams. 

• Changes to this process will occur as our community moves through different stages of flood recovery. Council’s Economic Development Team coordinates this process and are reaching out to all Lismore businesses across flood affected areas to help with flood recovery. 

For current flood information and other support opportunities, Council are sharing key details on the Flood 2022 webpage.