Last week, a small group of Leichhardt business owners met for the first time at Moretti’s Restaurant to discuss how to revitalise the ailing Little Italy business precinct. Attendees on the night included some of the business owners from inside the Italian Forum, and included Buyers Domain, System Craft, and La Giara Restaurant.
In addition, the key anchor establishments along Norton Street, Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria, Capriccio Osteria & Bar, and Amato’s Liquor Mart, also saw them commit themselves to much broader strategies and initiatives that may benefit the area in the longer term. Newly opened Dom Panino Restaurant located along Marion Street as well as BBQAroma found on nearby Parramatta Road, further provided their feedback on how to make Leichhardt great again.
“This is just the first step,” said Nick Angelucci the organiser of the meeting and local store owner. “People must get it out of their heads that you need real Italians to call this place Little Italy. Leichhardt has extremely old Italian migrant connections, and we honour that by preserving and sharing what they first introduced to Australian society when this lucky country needed their help”.
Angelucci further explains, “we recognise that you do not have to be an Italian to run a business here, but this precinct has a unique point of difference from other suburbs, which can provide a strong economic benefit if we can manage it in an intrinsic and collective way.”
Discussions within the group highlighted many long-standing problems facing the high street businesses. Concerns regarding customer parking, activation of the Italian Forum as a meeting point, and the essential development of Little Italy as an entertainment destination must be addressed urgently. The group also sought to unite and advocate for the many smaller Italian-themed businesses operating in the area, who may not be informed of changes and opportunities in the business precinct. It is anticipated that the group would meet regularly and keep communication flowing, particularly among interested business owners who are supportive of the Little Italy place brand.
The aim of this group is not only to attract more Italo-Australian descendants as visitors to its local businesses, but also to attract many more Italophiles who desire an Italian cultural experience without the need for a passport. Some observers would certainly express that such cultural ethnic tourism in Sydney would appear unauthentic and pretentious, but there are many more individuals who would appreciate such pockets of cultural identity and that they are drawn to explore that.
Especially when Leichhardt has the greatest historical significance for the early Italian immigrants, and that we must acknowledge and maintain that as a living memory through food, sport, the arts, and traditions. This new business group believes that the area needs more nurturing, defending, and preservation of its Italian Vibe, especially for the next generations to come.
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