Projects
The following projects are currently being implemented by the City's economic development and marketing team:
Economic development strategy 2011–15
Between June 2010 and February 2011, a City of Fremantle Economic Development Working Group developed the economic development stategy 2011–15. The working group commissioned the reports retail model plan, which is a requirement of the City of Fremantle Strategic Plan 2010–15. The other report commissioned by the working group was the drivers of activity centre development in the Fremantle CBD: Fremantle's position in the metropolitan hierarchy, and targets for office development activity in the Fremantle CBD.
Retail model plan
In November 2010, a retail model plan was commissioned by the economic development working group to inform the development of the Fremantle economic development strategy 2011–2015. Key recommendations include the implementation of a business improvement district (BID) management structure for the Fremantle CBD.
Leaders luncheons
Every two months business and community leaders meet in a formal setting at The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle to participate in presentations relevant to business and investment in Fremantle. Previous presentations have included the Fremantle Retail Model Plan, Drivers of Activity Centre Development in the Fremantle CBD, and a collaborative approach to the development of a structure plan for the Fremantle commercial business district, including Victoria Quay.
Business network faciliation
Our business network facilitator assists in bringing Fremantle businesses together to collaborate on opportunities and emerging issues in Fremantle.
Fremantle Business Improvement District proposal
One of the two leading recommendations of the retail model plan was for ‘improved street management’ in Fremantle’s CBD (page 45). To achieve this, the authors of the plan recommend a Business Improvement District (BID). This is based upon evidence of BIDs improving business conditions in city centres around the world. Consequently, the economic development working group included this recommendation in their draft economic development strategy presented to council. In April 2011, the strategy was adopted with the following:
“Action 3.1: Implement the Fremantle Retail Model Plan (2010) recommendations relating to better-whole-of-city retail management and coordination.”
“Key Tasks: 1. Seek to establish a BID as identified in the retail model plan.”
(Economic development strategy 2011-15, pages 27-28)
On pages 48 and 49 of the Retail Model Plan a 15–step implementation plan for a BID is recommended. At the adoption of the economic development strategy by council on 27 April 2011, the City’s economic development unit began implementing the implementation plan. Interviews were held for members of the Business Improvement District Steering Group (step one). The steering group is a community group – not a working group appointed by the City. The steering group has two City officers in it plus the secretarial support of a third, who also attended meetings. Other members are listed on page three of the BIDSG’s BID Proposal (Appendix 3). The BID Proposal was produced by the steering group for the community in the ‘differential rate area’ to consider a BID.
The Fremantle business improvement district proposal is also available for download.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on economic, business and investment issues in Fremantle. To have your say email us edm@fremantle.wa.gov.au