Wrap up of our dicussions in March

How our community is shaping this plan:

Over a week in March 2026, we transformed a vacant shopfront at 24 Commercial Street West into a space to have conversations about the CBD – we heard what you love, what’s working well, and where it could do with some support.

We spent the week speaking to traders, business owners, creatives, developers, history-lovers, shoppers, shift workers, Council staff across a range of departments, and community members to gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening in the CBD. Participation included the following:

We heard you want the Master Plan to:

  • Support local, authentic vibrancy that invites people to want to linger and return at all times of day, night, and year.
  • Reflect local pride through improved maintenance, cleanliness and consistent presentation.
  • Use trees, plants and nature to improve weather protection, walkability, ecological value, and local identity.
  • Embed stories into everyday places so that culture, heritage and identity are experienced, not just explained.
  • Encourage diverse housing and accommodation options that help make the CBD a great place to live and stay
  • Prioritise walking and cycling in the CBD to improve safety, comfort, independence and connectivity.
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