Mainstreet Matters Masterclass
Vibrancy, culture and authenticity are key to success – this was the message delivered by a selection of Adelaide’s mainstreet experts at the Property Council of Australia’s inaugural Mainstreet Matters Masterclass.
Delegates from across Australia were given an insight into the highs and lows of creating successful mainstreet precincts as the speakers shared their personal experiences and vision for future activation. This sold out event not only highlighted Adelaide’s raw talent for creating vibrancy, but has also initiated inspired conversation around building prosperous mainstreets, littlestreets and laneways.
“It’s good to be understood and to know that there is such a smart bunch of super-innovative motivators, mentors and managers in Adelaide right now that are working really hard to make Adelaide the vibrant city she deserves to be.” ~ Morag Draper, Secretary of the East End Coordination Group, Rundle Street Trader.
Rounding out the day, delegates were treated to a display of mainstreet activation. The People on Pitt Installation of Light -an initiative of the Property Council, Adelaide City Council and The University of South Australia lit up Pitt Street in a wash of colour demonstrating how collaboration and embracing local creativity can create great places.
UniSA Program Director for Interior Architecture, Andrew Wallace, said the project offered interior architecture students a valuable opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our city.
Property Council of Australia (SA Division) Vice President and Chair of the Mainstreets Committee, Steve Maras, said that the ‘People on Pitt’ project was a great initiative.
“We wanted to highlight what could be done with one of the city’s ‘little’ streets when you let the imagination off the leash. We were pleased to partner up with UniSA and the Adelaide City Council to bring something a little special to Pitt Street and the Central Market precinct. This installation promises to deliver some fantastic ideas about highlighting some of our under-rated city streets.”
The Property Council has compiled a step-by-step guide for local governments, state governments, retailers, property owners, planners, designers and community groups – it spells out strategies for keeping our mainstreets’ active and competitive
Covering six sections, from strategic planning to techniques for engaging with social media and the digital economy, this Guide draws on national and international best practice examples to inspire and enliven our mainstreets.
“South Australia extends beyond the four terraces of the CBD – that’s why it’s important to recognise the vital role our regional economies play in our state’s future prosperity,” SA Executive Director of the Property Council Daniel Gannon.
“And this is where regional mainstreets come into the equation.
“The Property Council encourages all communities – metropolitan and regional – to put some of our recommendations to the test on your local mainstreet.”
View the Best Practice Guide prepared by the Property Council (Sa Division) Mainstreets Committee here :
Best Practice Guide Volume 1 Best Practice Guide Volume 2
Guest speakers included:
Martin Haese – Retail IQ
George Giannakodakis and Gayle Buckby –InfraPlan
Lily Jacobs – Renew Adelaide
Daniel Dello Iacovo – Trice
John Baxter –Cocreation
Michael Fisher – City of Adelaide
The Expert Panel featured
Steve Bentley – Mainstreet Australia
Roberto Cardone – SPQR Holdings Pty Ltd
Francesco Bonato – Tectvs
Julie Wrobel – Algo Más Marketing
Sponsors: Maras Group, Retail IQ and Tectvs