The retail sector is one of our largest local employers, supporting over 3,000 jobs and providing economic uplift of $241m annually.
The Retail Action Plan emphasises the importance of ensuring that Albury remains a key service centre for Southern New South Wales and North-Eastern Victoria. For this reason, a focus is placed on ensuring that the Albury CBD undergoes a continuing process of investment to retain its leading position in the region, recognising the importance of Lavington and Thurgoona as complementary retail offerings.
Four main objectives have been identified to provide a focus for AlburyCity's support of the retail sector. These objectives include improved walkability, capacity building, removing barriers and enhancing sector engagement.
There are a total of 55 actions that have been grouped under these objectives, which respond to the issues, challenges and opportunities identified by the research and consultation undertaken during the development of the plan.
Just a few of the exciting initiatives highlighted in the plan include:
- Creating 'green spaces' with options for retail pop-ups
- An 'eat street' concept in Volt Lane
- Developing a Master Plan of potential outdoor dining areas along Dean Street
- Improvements to the safety and visual appeal of Mate Street through road upgrades, landscaping and seating areas
- Undertaken an urban development study to cater for growth in Thurgoona
- Attracting additional high-quality food and beverage operators in the CBD
- Preparing a Master Plan for the development of the Young Street Railway Precinct... and much more
Businesses could also benefit from initiatives such as co-funding shopfront improvements, relaxing parking contributions for food and beverage operators, simplifying application processes, and additional training opportunities, identifying barriers for food and beverage operators to take advantage of outdoor dining, working with local retailers to increase trading hours, and establishing seasonal shopping campaigns.
Mayor Kylie King said the actions in the plan aim to strengthen our retail sector and cater for the growth our city is experiencing.
"Growth of our retail sector will create benefits for Albury in terms of attracting further investment, building capacity for local businesses, and boosting employment," said Mayor King.
"Creating vibrant retail centres is also closely linked to the ongoing development of tourism, events and cultural activities, all of which are part of the broader appeal of the city."
View the Retail Action Plan on the AlburyCity website.