Last Tuesday the MRCCI, with Helen Whitbread and Markus Botte from the AMR Shire and the support of Main Street business leaders, held a forum at the Margaret River Hotel to discuss the upcoming redevelopment of the main street in 2019.

With such a large undertaking set to impact the main street, the forum aimed to inform and prepare our local businesses for the coming year with the view of developing strategies to work together to minimise the impact on local businesses.

The forum began by going over the designs of the development, which aim to increase tourist activity with longer tourist stays, support the marketing image of Margaret River and expand accessibility for visitors. It also aims to improve traffic and transport benefits, improve road safety and upgrade stormwater management.

The construction is still waiting on a tender submission to be approved but the plans are to begin construction in phases along the main street with the first phase beginning in 2019 February until May and then a second phase going from September to December. Construction is set to have some impacts on the businesses along the main street. Some impacts may include:

  • Partial road closures
  • Traffic detours and delays
  • Delivery access restrictions
  • Temporary pedestrian access restrictions
  • Noise/dust/vibrations
  • Tourism and local amenity impact

Some examples of what businesses can do to prepare for the construction phase were based on previous examples of towns going through similar redevelopments. Some examples of these suggestions were:

  • Inform customers and employees
    • Gather contact information, reach out on social media
  • Modify business hours in the lead up
  • Consider product delivery
  • Inform your lender and discuss options
  • Reduce inventory where possible
  • Rework your budget

The most important suggestion made by the forum to the businesses was to plan ahead and stay informed. Develop a game plan be proactive. Work closely with the other business, the Chamber of Commerce and the Shire. Sign up to communications from MRCCI and the Shire to stay informed.

For more information on the Redevelopment Project visit the Shire website on the Main Street Development

If you have not already, make sure you get in touch with the Chamber and send us your contact details at admin@mrcci.com.au so we can add you to the mailing list about this issue. Also like the Chamber Facebook Page to stay up to date on current events. We also encourage you to join the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a Member to take advantage of all our services and benefits that we can provide during this time.

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