Parramatta. 'Done our very best'

Tristan Harris, general manager, buying and marketing, of family-owned Harris Farm Markets, said the closure of its outlet, in the empty Brand Smart shopping centre, in the northern precinct of the Parramatta CBD, was because the business was unviable. He said the outlet had a “very strong customer account” when it opened some six years ago. “We’ve done out very best, we had good community support”, he said, but the failure of Brand Smart as a shopping centre and “being at that end of town” were among the factors forcing the closure, at Christmas. The company has retained the 50 staff.

Parramatta. Marketing manager sought

Parramatta City Council has advertised for a marketing manager, for Riverside Theatres. The successful candidate will be responsible for marketing the complex for hire, the annual performance season and other activities including the education, music and comedy programs

Parramatta. Shops for sale

Meriton Apartments is selling strata-titled retail outlets, from $224,000, in its serviced apartment development, Westport, comprising over 200 apartments, in the corporate precinct of the Parramatta CBD. The complex has 21 retail shops.

Region. Boost to regional tourism

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is building a strategy with member councils and other organisations, including the National Trust and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, to promote tourism in the region. President, Alison McLaren, said cultural tourism offered the potential to create jobs, with spin-offs to the accommodation, transport and business sectors. She said it was important for the region to have a co-ordinated cultural tourism strategy. “A creative industries team will help to develop new and extend existing businesses in areas such as film and digital media, events such as markets, festivals and tourism trails. “A website linking the region's activities will let people in Sydney and around the world find events and experiences in Greater Western Sydney,” she said. The website will be launched during 2010.

Penrith. Living on a golf course

Penrith Golf Club is pursuing the construction of four multi-storey apartment buildings on its site in a desperate bid to solve its long-standing financial woes.The club has pinned its hopes on the approval of a seniors housing complex to pay off a $3.5 million debt incurred in 1997 after a blowout in the cost of building its clubhouse, according to a Penrith Press report.