Co-design with the business community a series of events where the street is closed to cars, to test whether these increase foot traffic and sales in George Street.
We delivered this project in three phases:
- We designed a one-off demonstration event in consultation with businesses to trial a pedestrianised George St. This was timed to take advantage of the Sunday brunch crowd.
- We tested whether patron levels would consistently benefit the street over a series of four Sunday road closures. George Street saw an average increase of 21.2% in sales during road closure days, and an average increase in 1.2% for the surrounding area.
- We made the process easier for George Street businesses to close the road for markets or events, with a standardised format and roll-out planters to close the street with. Businesses held their first winter festival in the street using this format to welcome two new businesses to the street.
Next steps
Council is committed to continuing to work with George St businesses and residents to investigate what the future of George Street could look like. This is an action in our current 10-Year Plan.