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Business is buzzing in Northern Grampians

Shop makeovers and streetscape works in Stawell and St Arnaud in Victoria’s Northern Grampians Shire are breathing new life into towns that have suffered the impact of almost eight years of drought. Together with Village Well consultancy, Council’s Marketing and Development Directorate has helped 40 retailers in both towns create individual business plans that address branding, shop layout and merchandising.

“These hands-on makeovers improve the positioning of each business, transforming premises that in some cases had only dead flies on display in the window,” said Council’s Director Development and Marketing, Justine Linley.

A major revitalisation infrastructure project included the removal of a mall in Stawell. While the new traffic thoroughfare caused much controversy, most traders now report a 20 per cent increase in turnover, which, despite the drought, is significant. It also led to five new businesses being established in Stawell’s CBD – all picking up on themes identified in the Village Well plan.

St Arnaud had its own major streetscape revitalisation, with new paving and landscaping, and has welcomed a new bakery to town, as well as a full line of products at the local supermarket.

“Hands-on consulting is the key,” said Justine Linley. “This isn’t another strategy for the shelf, but one that’s about improving the wealth and viability of the businesses we already have. From there, investment attraction almost takes care of itself. It is pleasing to see that these initiatives have had an immediate impact on both towns which are just buzzing.”

For further information contact Justine Linley on (03) 5358 8700.

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