This report was based on data received on increased business transactions in that precinct over the 12 months since the completion of the redevelopment.
It is now possible to state categorically that, after so many years of failed ideas and concepts, the plan negotiated by the Chamber of Commerce and adopted by council is a success.
This comes as very pleasing news after the pain of the build that property owners and businesses endured for the 12 months of hoarding, noise, dust and disruption to business. The same disruption was endured by people moving through and shopping in the mall.
The contractors and council staff worked hard to minimise the effect on business and the inconvenience to shoppers. Now, coming up to two years since the grand opening when Mayor Shane Sali was the first to drive the new strip, business is booming.
In the planning, the work of the Chamber of Commerce subcommittee cannot be overlooked.
A plan for the mall as we now enjoy it was put to council quite some years ago by Wendy Crow, who, after much research, put forward a suggestion to council to open the street to slow-moving vehicle traffic to allow accessibility for all people and to create a beautiful landscape for the residents and visitors to Shepparton. And, of course, to stimulate business.
Wendy’s plan went to council, and a version of it was adopted.
However, the detail was confusing and inappropriate and did not properly open the street. Rather, that plan was to create a large car park in the southern end with traffic flow from the north exiting out Stewart St past the cinema. It did not fully open the street, and it was neither Wendy’s original plan nor that of the Chamber of Commerce.
In fact, it was a disaster of a plan.
Through the Chamber of Commerce’s persistent lobbying of all councillors, people who were supporters and those who were against the concept and finally, the state and federal politicians, the funding was made available as was reported last week. Council moved a new resolution to follow the Chamber of Commerce plan more fully, for which council can take great credit for listening to the business community.
The future of Maude St and the CBD is now a positive one. Eventually, when hospitality businesses move into empty shops in Maude St, I hope to see a street with cafés and restaurants providing tables and chairs all up the western side of the strip, which is the wider side of the pavement. It can develop as a hub with a diversity of businesses, retail, hospitality and commercial, and accessibility for all.
As a part of the redevelopment, council made a commitment to the Chamber of Commerce to draw up a master plan for Fraser St, including the area under the tower.
This is subject to available funds, of course, but if a plan is adopted, when funding is available, Fraser St can be a beautiful link from Maude St to Wyndham St, and we can have a town square under the tower as proposed as part of the Wendy Crow masterplan. The Fraser St plan is not yet completed, so more work with council to achieve this needs to be done.
Urban spaces are never complete and need to be viewed as dynamic spaces that change with the times and the needs of the community.
We have moved ahead with the new Maude St such that it is a place for everyone — young, older or with mobility issues. Everyone.
It has become the redevelopment that other towns and cities across Australia are envious of. They are watching for its success so they too can plan for such a revamp of their own malls that do not serve their communities.
Greater Shepparton kicks goals again.
John Anderson, former president of the Greater Shepparton Business Network (Chamber of Commerce)
