VIBRANT Spaces was once an idea, that moved into a trial and is now a permanent initiative by Greater Taree City Council to encourage local businesses to inject new life into our 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 simple form on our website.
Council's 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," Richard said.
In Taree Jo-Anne Yarad of Iguana Surf Wear found the initial trial fantastic for her business. She noticed a lot more people stopping to look at the racks of clothing outside her business and coming inside.
Jo-Anne also believes the change helped improve Victoria Street's vibe, through customers stopping and having more social interactions.
By taking its decorative displays outside Manning Valley Collectables is still making Manning Street a more attractive space.
Wingham embraced Vibrant Spaces by putting dining tables and store wares on the footpath immediately after the trial was announced. This created a brighter and well received change along Isabella, Bent and parts of Farquhar Streets.
In Harrington, owner of Seashells Cafe Norm McFarlane registered online and he was then able to put tables and chairs along the front and sides of his business.
According to Norm expanding his space it helped a great deal in attracting customers.
Old Bar has become well known for its 'brightness' due to its colourful poles and benches as a result of beautification program last year by the Old Bar and Manning Point Chamber of Commerce and community members.
On the day the vibrant spaces trial began in Old Bar, Adam Stevenson of Old Bar and Manning Point Chamber of Commerce and L J Hooker Old Bar put a flag outside his business, which he believes helps people know his business is open and operational. Other businesses have also enthusiastically joined in by putting up flags and shop displays on the footpath too.
President of the Old Bar Business Chamber Carole Isaacs and Adam would like to take Old Bar's vibrant spaces further by improving and extending the town footpaths, an idea they would like considered by Greater Taree City Council.
Each are particularly excited to see how the vibrant spaces changes will be received at the Old Bar Beach Festival in October.
NSW Small Business Commissioner and the Minister for Small Business have also commended Greater Taree City Council on this successful program.
"Greater Taree City Council has embraced the principles of the Small Business Friendly Councils Program, and its Vibrant Spaces initiative is an excellent example of how a local council can facilitate economic and social benefits for their community through a change in their own policy," said NSW Small Business Commissioner, Robyn Hobbs.
"I am delighted to hear about the success of the Vibrant Spaces trial in Taree, and that the businesses in Harrington, Old Bar and Wingham are now applying these principles to create activity in their towns.
"Councils that join the Small Business Friendly Councils Program introduce business improvement procedures or projects that assist small businesses and these councils also have the opportunity to join a large network of 67 other councils to share 'small business friendly' strategies," said Ms Hobbs.
Minister John Barilaro has also shared his own positive praise.
Mr Barilaro said the Small Business Friendly Councils Program is the first of its kind in Australia and supports local councils to work closely with their local small businesses.
"Since launching in September 2014 the number of councils participating has reached over 67, which represents more than 345,000 small businesses and almost 50 per cent of all NSW small businesses," Mr Barilaro said.
Businesses wanting to participate are encouraged to go online and complete the form on the Greater Taree City Council website or email tareecouncil@gtcc.nsw.gov.au for more information.
