Karen Remetis, Urban and Economic Development consultant - Town Centre Development Group, Massey University.
Karen Remetis, Urban and Economic Development consultant - Town Centre Development Group, Massey University.
A model to help boost business activity in central Whangarei is to be introduced during a meeting at The Orchard Business and Event Hub on July 27.
Karen Remetis, a geographer with 25 years' experience as a consultant in economic development, will explain how Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) work asa model for CBDs to improve their economy.
BIDs originated in the United States by commercial property owners to create a stronger and strategic voice for the business sector of towns and cities.
Northland Inc is bringing Ms Remetis to Whangarei to present the concept on Thursday, July 27 at The Orchard.
A BID provides a win/win for both CBD businesses and local authorities through the strength of the BID providing surety for the local authority of what is wanted in the CBD rather than one or two people advocating for what they see as most important.
CBDs are complex and issues are wide ranging. Some can be contentious such as car parking and opening hours, she said.
Ms Remetis uses a model of BIDs that includes eight key elements which will all be covered at the meeting.
She gives an example of Takapuna Beach which was a BID established by Ms Remetis.
Before becoming a BID Takapuna CBD was in serious decline with a foot traffic count that showed 13 key areas down 25-35 per cent on the previous two years.
"Sex shops were opening in the main street and vacancies were high. The BID changed that," she said.
The meeting will be held at 85 Cameron St from 5.45pm-6.30pm.
