In a comeback reminiscent of a Rocky scene, Kingsford and Kensington businesses battered and bruised by months of light rail construction delivered a knock-out punch at the recent 2017 Randwick City Business Excellence Awards picking up eight top awards.

From childcare services to real estate and food, Kingsford and Kensington local businesses scooped the pool winning more of the 27 categories than any other area.

To top it off, Kingsford eatery Niji Sushi won the prestigious Best Restaurant category and picked up the overall award for Business of the Year.

There were 200 finalists in 27 categories recognising the best of the best businesses across Randwick City as voted by customers and professional judges.

Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey said:

“Kingsford and Kensington is the real success story of this year,” Mayor Shurey said. “I know the businesses here are doing it tough due to light rail construction, but they are getting on with business and delivering great customer service at great value.

“With hundreds of new parking spots in side streets off Anzac Parade, it’s never been easier to get to your favourite restaurant or business.

“I thank everybody for their continued support of these local businesses and I encourage those who haven’t visited recently to rediscover Sydney’s secret Chinatown, check out the ArtMoves public art walk along Anzac Parade or see the beautiful Christmas lights in Meeks St Plaza.”

Kingsford Chamber of Commerce President Peter Schick said he was very pleased to see the number of awards received by well deserving businesses.

“The Chamber is active in helping to keep the centre trading by meeting with Randwick City Council officers and Transport for NSW representatives to assist where possible,” Mr Schick said.

Randwick City Council & Kingsford Chamber will host the annual Kingsford Night Noodle Markets on Saturday 18 November 2017 from midday to 9pm in the Meeks St Plaza just off Anzac Parade.

Kensington & Kingsford winners

• Restaurant – Niji Sushi Bar
• Business of the Year - Niji Sushi Bar
• Club/Pub - The Juniors
• General Retail Business - Amber Tiles Kingsford
• Childcare – Greengables Children’s Day Nursery
• Newsagent - Kingsford Bus Stop Newsagency
• Real Estate Agency - Laing & Simmons - Kingsford
• Repairs/Service & Trade - Floormania – Kensington

The 2017 Randwick City Business Excellence Awards are presented by Randwick City Council and sponsored by Nova Employment, The Southern Courier, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre, Pacific Square Maroubra and Walsh’s Village Pharmacy in South Maroubra.

Pictured: Randwick City Business Excellence Award 2017 winners from Kensington and Kingsford: Belinda Hoban from Amber Tiles Kingsford; Maria Clooney-Frazis from Greengables Children’s Day Nursery; Nicholas Efrossynis, Dean Efrossynis & Tass Evgeniou from Laing and Simmons Kingsford; Daniel Kusuma & Raji Khanal from Niji Sushi Bar; Paul Muir from The Juniors Kingsford; Dion Kelly from Floormania Kensington and Kingsford Chamber of Commerce President Peter Schick.