FAQ

We only require a once-off registration saying you wish to participate in the trial and agree to the trial guidelines and ground rules. Keep us updated with what you have planned so we can help promote and advertise what you are doing, where and when!

The City Square Sails area can be utilized for activations by buskers and performers, local community groups and not-for-profit organisations and CBD-based businesses (those located in arcades or areas without direct footpath frontage) upon request. To do this:

1. Register online to be part of Trading Places trial

2. Visit our City Square Sails booking calendar; book the date and time you want and provide details of type of activation planned.

Important note: This booking calendar is a separate system which also requires a login (sorry - we know this is annoying but you could set up using the same user name and password as your trial registration). Please contact Prue if you need help.

As per all registrations, you will need to upload a copy of your public liability insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all other licenses and qualifications required for your activation. Once we receive notification of your registration, we will provide you with an Activation Pass (as confirmation).

The objectives of the trial are:

• To facilitate a vibrant, attractive and safe environment in the Coffs City Centre
• To simplify existing processes and enhance customer service for footpath use
• To achieve strategic goals for place activation and revitalisation

Concentrating the trial in one precinct will allow us to closely monitor what works well, what doesn’t and what needs improving before considering expanding to other areas. It also allows us to respond quickly to any issues that may arise.

Variation in footpath widths could require different approaches to activate spaces while maintaining safety and good access – a trial boundary allows us to test the model and fine-tune it.

Pending the outcome of the six month trial in the Coffs City Centre, the waiver of fees for footpath use may be extended to other areas across the LGA.

We welcome businesses to come up with creative ways of welcoming people to the street, encourage them to stay longer and engage with the precinct. It might be offering comfortable seating, colourful pot plants, bunting or flags, inviting a busker to perform on your footpath or having old-school board games to play.

All we ask is businesses follow three simple rules:

1. Safety and Security – Ultimately the footpath is a community space for everyone, including young children, seniors, parents with prams and people who may require assistance aids and clear passage. These people need to get about their daily activities safely and efficiently. Think about trip hazards, height impediments and any possible projectiles (windy conditions). If you see something you think is unsafe, do something about it.
2. Cooperate and collaborate – Partner with your neighbours to create exciting places that attracts customers and encourages them to linger, longer. Cross-promote with other stores to spread the shopping love…waiting for a coffee to arrive gives shoppers a window of opportunity otherwise missed.
3. Ownership and Accountability – Remember this is a trial; there will be good and bad feedback from customers. Use constructive criticism to improve your business offering. Make changes and try new things. Respond to safety and access concerns promptly. You will need to have a current Public Liability Insurance policy to cover the use of the footpath (minimum $20million) with Coffs Harbour City Council listed as an interested party.

Creating more vibrant places does not have to cost the earth. Cheap and cheerful additions can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your business and the precinct as a whole.

Please note legislation for food and liquor licensing require compliance at all times.

The six month trial involves waiving fees and approval processes for footpath activity (such as outdoor dining, merchandise displays and A-frame signage) in the Coffs City Centre Masterplan Footprint. The trial also represents a change in Council culture that is less focused on “controlling” spaces and more about working with businesses to create a vibrant, attractive and safe environment in Coffs City Centre. 

During the trial period (1 October 2017 – 31 March 2018), Council will suspend all invoices for footpath use - you will not be charged any fees in relation to your agreement.

If you have already paid for part or for all of the trial period you will be refunded any monies owing to you.

To be eligible to participate in the trial, any fees payable to 30 September 2017 must be paid prior.

Please note: legislation for food and liquor licensing requires compliance at all times. The trial area is an alcohol-free zone (unless an existing license for service of alcohol is in place). Council will consider requests to suspend an alcohol-free zone for one-off or special events. Contact Coffs Harbour City Council for more information.

As part of the six month trial, Council’s current process for existing sites in the CBD for busking and street performance will be simplified.  In addition, businesses can choose to invite buskers to their ‘footpath’ with agreement of their neighbours. Buskers and street performers must register online and hold current public liability insurance cover that extends to using the public footpath (minimum of $20 million liability), with Coffs Harbour City Council noted as an interested party. If you wish to perform in City Square under the sails, simply include this and the dates and times you wish to perform when you register. You can check existing bookings, events and activities in the Key Dates section. If you want to perform outside of the CBD trial boundary, you will need to apply to Council.

During the trial, stallholders will continue to pay fees to participate in the weekly Growers Markets as this covers marketing, promotional and industry development activities.

Additional initiatives to activate the Growers Market including welcoming signage, banners and flags are in development. The weekly markets are key to activating City Square and the city centre.

Activations that enhance the weekly market experience are welcomed and should avoid interfering with market sites or activities.