Traders along Beach Road in Noarlunga in South Australia have agreed to continue to pay a special rate funding promotion of the street. The scheme, which employed of a full time coordinator to promote the precinct, has proved so successful with traders that they have enthusiastically voted to continue paying the special rate.
“A survey of traders revealed a high level of support for the scheme,” said Steve Gawler, Director of Community Development with the City of Happy Valley, Noarlunga and Willunga. “This is indicative of the professionalism and enthusiasm of the local business community.”
He said that while the first year the scheme operated was a hard grind, it has now taken off, showing strong trader benefits. The separate rate scheme operates as a parallel strategy in conjunction with the Mainstreets program.
It enables the funding of a coordinator working to promote the precinct as a community hub. Improvements have included streetscaping, improved sidewalk furniture and marketing campaigns. Steve Gawler said the scheme was not trying to duplicate other projects but address issues pertinent to traders and shoppers in the district.
As a partnership between Council and the community, it has been successful in creating a precinct offering a diverse shopping experience. Since the scheme’s inception vacancy rates have fallen.
“I am confident that the second year of this promotional exercise will result in further success, attracting more people to Beach Road and increasing the profitability of businesses in the area,” Steve Gawler said.
For further information contact Steve Gawler, telephone (08) 8384 0666.
