Traders struggling in CBD

Mayor says times are tough but council has a plan

TOOWOOMBA CBD traders are struggling this Christmas after prolonged construction works and a general economic downturn, a businessman says.

Andrew Baillie runs Kaboom Comics in Ruthven St and said despite comments from Toowoomba Regional Council and other lobby groups that the city was booming, medium to small business owners were telling him the complete opposite.

“There is talk that a number of awesome small local businesses may have to close their doors or downsize in next year, things are that tight,” he said.

Mr Baillie called on residents to support small shops and cafes in the CBD this week.

“Come on down and buy a gift or a little something for yourself, have a coffee and grab a bargain from CBD businesses.”

He said a number of neighbouring businesses and other traders he’d spoken to had commented that trade for this December was down compared to previous years, some by 20 to 30%.

“My business has seen a similar drop in Christmas trade this year. Not just retailers but little cafes and some service providers that are small businesses located here in the CBD.

“A lot of small businesses count on a good Christmas trading period to help get them through the quieter period of January.

“But by this year’s indications are that it won’t happen and some traders are seriously considering downsizing. Some may have to close in 2017.

“I love our CBD but it’s not a great time to be in business down here at the moment.”

Mayor Paul Antonio said the establishment of satellite shopping centres in the suburbs had taken the attention away from the CBD.

He said the council was focused on luring people to live and work in the CBD.

Cr Antonio said he hoped Queensland Government-owned land at the Railway Parklands precinct would be opened up to private developers.

He said the Grand Central redevelopment would bring more businesses to town, which was a good thing, but also put pressure on existing shops.

“That’s something we don’t have control over. It’s the market and it’s tough,” he said.

“I understand it’s tough in the CBD, shops are finding it hard because of parking and other things.

“In saying that there is interest in the CBD and opportunities will emerge next year.”

Cr Antonio said the council was also working on its city centre master plan, which provided a process for the planning of the city’s future up to 2031 and beyond.

The plan includes strategies to enhance the CBD and provides for residential, commercial and employment opportunities.