Despite the many challenges faced by the community over the past two years due to the pandemic, Shepparton's CBD is thriving.
Greater Shepparton City Council have completed the 2022 first quarter CBD vacancy audit and are pleased to report that the vacancy rate at the end of March is sitting at 4 per cent, the lowest since recordings commenced in 2012.
The CBD precinct has a catchment of over 630 premises and for the purpose of the audit only includes vacant locations that have a current for lease sign.
The Shepparton CBD Revitalisation Project has provided direction on how we invest, support and progress our important central business district for now and into the future.
The CBD has been home to a number of recent minor and major projects in the past few years including the Vaughan Street Redevelopment, Maude Street Revitalisation project, the installation of tree bud lighting and the current Maude Street Mall Redevelopment. The projects have been funded by the Greater Shepparton City Council with support from Federal and State Governments. These initiatives have all helped grow confidence and diversification in investment improving aesthetic appeal and encouraging locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor dining, new business experiences and offer more employment opportunities.
Within the past 12 months a number of new businesses have joined Shepparton's CBD or expanded into neighbouring shopfronts. These businesses range from retail stores, eateries, professional services and health and wellbeing with a combination of locally owned businesses and those from outside the region who recognise the area's potential.
Council's recent Shopfront Improvement Grants offered local Shepparton CBD Businesses (and the commercial areas of main streets in small towns) the opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 funding to contribute to the costs associated with improvements to façade, which has been received extremely well by local businesses.
"The future is bright for our CBD retailers and traders," said Greater Shepparton City Council Director Sustainable Development, Geraldine Christou.
"We look forward to seeing revitalisation in the CBD continue throughout the year with a variety of projects and events, including the completion of the Maude Street Mall redevelopment in late 2022."
"Council is also very excited to bring more amazing food vendors and mouth-watering treats to the streets of Shepparton with the return of the Fryers Street Food Festival in November this year, further highlighting the precinct as a food hub and the overall Shepparton CBD as an exciting place to visit".
