ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
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initiatives, runs professional development
sessions for businesses and celebrates and
acknowledges the business leaders.
The physical design and development of the
centre creates a safe and secure environment
for pedestrians and provides space for the
community to gather, children to play, people to
meet, events to be celebrated. • The business association has a vision for the
future of the centre, understands its roles and
functions, what it is and what it is not, and what
business and activity mix is desired. The businesses forge a strong affiliation
with the local community and support local
community organisations, schools, sporting
and social clubs.
• The centre is embraced by the local community
as a place to go, to gather and to celebrate and
is much more than a transactional retail centre.
It is a location where children play, mothers
and fathers meet, professionals network, and
people simply sit.
• The businesses in the centre work together
to ensure that it best meets the needs of its
customers in regard to, for example, opening
hours, business referrals, sales or business
presentation.
• The businesses and property owners fund
a marketing and management program that
delivers a coordinated marketing program,
events, activities and advocacy for the centre.
• The local council supports the establishment
and ongoing running of the business
association and supports the centre by the
locating its community services and facilities
within the centre, takes business objectives
into consideration when proposing planning,
urban design, transport and infrastructure
HOW CAN LOCAL AND STATE
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SMART CENTRES?
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Support the opportunities for businesses in
traditional centres to collaborate and network
through the establishment of, or support for,
business associations. Make it easy and
attractive for businesses to contribute financially
to a collaborative management and marketing
program for the centre.
Attributes of a "Smart" Centre
The essence of a Smart Centre is one where:
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Businesses, services and facilities work in a collaborative fashion.
A representative business association exists.
A centre is efficiently managed and marketed.
A centre provides a safe and secure and attractive environment for
pedestrians or all ages.
A centre provides the activities, goods, services and facilities required by the
local community.
A centre works in partnership with the local council, property owners and the
local community.
A centre has a clear idea of its viable roles and function, a business plan to
guide its decision making and funds through which to deliver its activities.
Source S.Sully 2019
VOL.12 NO.3 2019 | 26