Draft Queanbeyan CBD Retail Growth Strategy

The Draft Retail Growth Strategy has been developed to respond to the challenging retail environment in Queanbeyan CBD and is being developed concurrently with the Queanbeyan CBD Spatial Business Plan (masterplan) in an effort to align outcomes. The draft Strategy has been co-funded as part as part of the Building Better Regions Fund – Community Stream grant program.

The purpose of the Retail Growth Strategy is to identify and recommend realistic and innovative strategies to achieve the long-term rejuvenation of the Queanbeyan CBD. This includes identifying prioritised actions for stakeholders, such as businesses, community and Council.

The Strategy aims to engage with Council and the community to develop a vision and direction for Queanbeyan’s town centre with a focus on the following elements:

A. Retail Assessment: Provide an analysis and understanding of the current retail market and mix

B. Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Challenges: Identify the local characteristics that influence retail performance

C. Strategic Analysis: Inform recommendations in the CBD Masterplan Renew (which will be developed concurrently) on the regulatory and/or desirable planning characteristics that will increase retail opportunities.

D. Retail Action Plan: Articulate the strategies and proposed solutions/actions to promote retail growth

The aims of the draft Retail Growth Strategy are to:

· Create a vibrant retail and hospitality heart

· Enhance the main street offer

· Increase retail market share

· Enhance the convenience offer

· Identify public realm improvements to enhance the customer experience

· Optimise the opportunities created through the CBD Transformation Strategy

· Identify opportunities for property owners and business owners to collaborate

· Provide for a strong and viable city centre, supporting offices, retail and City living and employment

The Strategy focuses on the current retail mix and retail catchment areas to better understand market share and ‘escape’ expenditure. It provides an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the retail offer and the impact of competitor centres; strategies to increase retail opportunities; and a clear action plan for the future. Engaging with private sector businesses and owners will be critical to successful implementation of the Strategy.

Council is now seeking comments on the draft Queanbeyan CBD Retail Growth Strategy. Comments will be received until 5pm on Wednesday 31 October 2018 and can be made via this page, email to council@qprc.nsw.gov.au send to PO Box 90 Queanbeyan NSW 2620 or delivered to any of Council's offices.