Vibrant Spaces was once an idea, that moved into a trial and is now a permanent initiative to encourage local businesses to inject new life into local town centres.
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The concept behind Vibrant Spaces is that businesses use the footpath, free of charge, in return for some innovative thinking and a common sense approach to adding colour, products, chairs and tables onto our streets. The aim is to encourage people to stop, linger, shop and dine which not only benefits local businesses, but makes for a more pleasant shopping experience.
A new policy was developed based on this concept which came into effect on July 1 and applies to the town centres of Taree, Wingham, Harrington and Old Bar. Businesses who use the footpaths in these town centres will be required to register each year, but rather than lengthy approvals and fees of the past, it is now a form on the Greater Taree City Council website.
Senior Leader, Planning and Environmental Services, Richard Pamplin is pleased with the results of the trial and hopes that the trend will continue with more shops venturing onto the footpaths with new and innovative ideas. “Prior to the trial we only had 17 businesses in the Taree CBD utilising the footpath, which grew to 49 by the end of the trial. People really noticed the difference with businesses noting a significant increase in sales and the majority of people noticing an increase in street vibrancy,” said Mr Pamplin.
Wingham embraced Vibrant Spaces by putting dining tables and store's wares on the footpath immediately after the trial announcement. This created a brighter and well received change along Isabella, Bent and parts of Farquhar Streets.
Businesses wanting to participate are encouraged to go online and complete the form on the council website or email tareecouncil@gtcc.nsw.gov.au for more information.