7 September 2005

Vibrant mainstreets glow in growth

Latest survey results of the Auckland City Mainstreet Programme reveal significant business growth and satisfaction with Auckland’s urban villages and suburban town centres.

The results, presented to Auckland City’s Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee today, revealed 48 per cent of businesses in 16 mainstreets around the city have experienced an increase in overall turnover over the last twelve months.

The majority of mainstreet businesses reported performance measure increases, particularly in the areas of staffing level; advertising and promotions budget; number of customers and profitability.

The chairperson of Auckland City’s Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee, Councillor Richard Northey, said he is very pleased with the results and the high level of confidence in the local business community.

“The council is committed to finding opportunities to work with key business communities to encourage economic growth. Businesses participating in the Mainstreet Programmes have delivered great results for our city’s mainstreet businesses. We’ll continue that. Targeting initiatives within mainstreet growth areas yields real results and demonstrates the positive economic benefits of vibrant town centres.”

Significant improvements have resulted by targeting specific areas. For example, the streetscape upgrade in Karangahape Road has led to 71 per cent of businesses reporting that these improvements helped raise the standards of the physical surroundings. In addition, it increased customer perception, business confidence and foot traffic numbers in the area.

The importance of traffic flow and parking in attracting customers is a key concern which is continuing to be addressed. For example, parking plans are currently being prepared for the Newmarket and Ellerslie business precincts.

Auckland City operates 16 Mainstreet Programmes based on a partnership model that includes local communities, local government and the larger community. This long-term initiative involves business development and community engagement. Businesses fund most aspects of the Mainstreet Programme through a targeted rate, with the intention of creating a more vibrant local area. Typical initiatives include branding of town centres; encouraging business growth; attracting new businesses to the area; signature events; security partnerships; advocacy and liaison with the local business communities.

Auckland City contributes to the partnership through urban design initiatives, parking and traffic flow improvements, streetscape upgrades and community projects.

ENDS

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