While it has been frustrating waiting for the Hampden Road upgrade to start, there are a lot of ducks to be lined up and it looks like it will be blasting off early in the new year.

The AVI has been seeking a commitment that the work will be finished before the end of 2023. Thank you to Tim James MP for Willoughby, the mayor Tanya Taylor, and our energetic councillor Georgie Roussac for meeting with us to improve communication and traction with the relevant authorities.

The Local Your Locals village loyalty campaign will begin when the road works start. It is a great initiative and one of you will be lucky to win a $50 voucher to spend in Artarmon each week.

We are sad to farewell three local businesses: Artarmon Mowers, Seven Day Food and Hair Bestie. Their shops in Hampden Road are available for lease.

Welcome to these new village businesses: • Fully Promoted, at 2/44 Hampden Road, specialises in every type of branded product for your business. Drop in and welcome them. There is no better time to promote your business than coming out of the pandemic. • Serena Agius has relocated Agius Colour and Designs to 5/96 Hampden Road. It is our first interior design shop. Entry is upstairs above Ella Bache in Broughton Road. • Linda Ding is a mortgage broker and official Liberty Adviser at 4/96 Hampden Road. You can contact Linda about financing/ refinancing via https://www.liberty.com. au/mortgage-broker/linda-ding • Centro Artarmon has taken the lease at the old Commonwealth Bank site (66 Hampden Road). Centro is a successful chain convenience store.

Artarmon Village has recently committed to refreshing our website and integrating it with our social media. The updated version will highlight member businesses and be the place to go for local news updates and community events. It will be visually beautiful, easy to use and capture the essence of our magnificent suburb. You can find us now on Facebook @ artarmonvillage and Instagram @ artarmonvillageinc. The rejuvenated website will be at www.artarmonvillage.com.au. Do yourselves a favour and bookmark it now.

A very positive spirit was unleashed at our AGM and end of season drinks on 16 November. We all have great aspirations for our shopping precinct. Future projects may include: • branded welcome signs at the edges of the shopping village • a mural on the side of Liquorland on Francis Road • Removing the old, bent power poles and putting the electricity underground • Heritage painting of the façade of Hampden Road.

Please accept our best wishes for Christmas, the holiday season and an exemplary 2023. The village businesses are extremely grateful for your custom and friendship.

“This is the Artarmon Village section of the Artarmon Gazette. To read the full copy of the Gazette please click here“