More than 50 local business owners gathered earlier this month to discuss how to best revitalise the Collie CBD as part of the Shire of Collie’s ongoing focus on improving the town’s business sector.
Shire president Sarah Stanley said the Business Connection series was part of broader efforts to diversify Collie’s economy to ensure it had a sustainable future.
“Our central business district plays an important role as the face of our town for visitors and residents alike, as well as contributing to our economy and providing jobs,” she said.
“This first session was just the first step in an exciting process to look at our CBD with new eyes. I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas are sparked when businesses ... work collaboratively to find ways to revitalise our town centre for the benefit of all.”
The idea behind the session was to raise issues affecting business in town and come up with solutions to those issues.
Some of the key issues raised were the lack of foot traffic, the general aesthetic of some shops in the CBD and the proximity of Bunbury, which were all seen as hindrances to local business, with ideas the use of art to beautify and re-purpose uninviting spaces, re-designing traffic flow and land uses, shared spaces and resources, promoting Collie’s unique identity, and the quirky use of technological solutions raised as responses.
The event, held in the Co-op building that formerly housed Target, also saw building owner Colin Smout provide an update on the search to bring a new tenant to the space.
Mr Smout said the owners had spoken to a number of retail chains, including Bunnings and Best and Less, but had been unsuccessful in convincing them to come to Collie.
He said they were now hoping to divide the space up so local businesses could move in.
