Council is embarking on a six month trial of a new approach for managing footpath activities to encourage more vibrancy in the Coffs Harbour city centre precinct.
To help businesses attract more trade, Council will replace its current footpath permit and licensing rules with a more common-sense approach to making the city centre colourful, lively, entertaining and interesting for everyone.
Under the ‘Trading Places’ trial – which will run from October 1 2017 to March 31 2018, Council will trial the waiving of fees in the CBD for A-frame signs, merchandise displays, non-commercial street stalls, outdoor dining and buskers and performers.
City Prosperity Group Leader, Nikki Greenwood said Trading Places aims to give retailers and traders more ownership and accountability for their footpath spaces.
“The end goal is providing more vibrancy on the street to get people to stop, look and linger for longer.
“This represents a significant shift in Council’s traditional approach of controlling public spaces and is more of a partnership with traders to make the city centre come alive.
“It also aims to open up these spaces to community groups and not-for-profit organisations, which were previously unavailable to them due to Council regulations. We have also consulted with disability advocates ahead of the trial to ensure there won’t be any issues with obstacles for people with limited mobility,” said Ms Greenwood.
The trial will be within the Coffs City Centre Masterplan footprint. Traders within the trial boundary will be refunded for any licence or permit fees already paid during the trial period. If the trial is found to be a success, it may be extended across the Coffs Harbour local government area.
Council has created a dedicated online consultation page with the latest project information, FAQs, images, areas for comments about Trading Places and more at:
http://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/TradingPlaces
