Trading Places - Footpath Activation Trial

Council recently undertook a six month footpath activation trial in the Coffs City Centre Masterplan Footprint.Trading Places: Footpath Activation Trial involves a new approach for managing footpath activities to encourage more vibrancy in the Coffs city centre precinct.

While the six-month trial period has ended (as of 31 March 2018), the trial conditions will continue, until a resolution is reached by Council as to the future direction of this trial. This means registered participants (businesses, buskers, not-for-profits etc.) can continue using the footpath for trade and activation for FREE...

Trading Places aims to replace rules and regulations for footpath use with a more common-sense approach to making our footpaths more colourful, lively, entertaining and interesting.

The end goal is providing more vibrancy on the street to attract people to stop, look and linger for longer.

Council will partner with local businesses and their customers to trial the new model, which will involve:

• Waiving of fees (e.g. for A-Frame Signs, Merchandise Stalls/Displays, Non-commercial Street Stalls, Outdoor Dining and Buskers and Performers)

• Streamlining approval processes

• Giving retailers and traders more ownership and accountability for their footpath spaces

• Ensuring existing public safety and liability requirements remain

• Providing Council support to businesses involved in the trial with guidelines and practical help on the ground around how to “activate” spaces

• Supporting a change in culture where we are less about “controlling” spaces and more about working with traders to make areas come alive

• Encouraging new participation from local community groups and not-for-profit organisations previously turned away due to not having a process or permit for the way they would like to use the footpath.

The initial trial boundary will be the Coffs City Centre, as this gives us a defined area to focus on and allows us to quickly respond to any potential issues or public safety, which is paramount.

Pending the outcome of the trial, the project may be extended to other Local Government Areas.

The primary aim of this trial is to create vibrancy in the Coffs City Centre by activating footpaths. It is about working with existing city businesses to create new opportunities. We welcome local businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations to activate spaces in ways that will benefit everyone.

Ideal activations include workshops, performances, creative displays (e.g. artwork, photography), inclusive activities such as reading sessions for children, lunchtime yoga or dance sessions, and creating ‘places for people’ by adding tables, chairs, bean bags and ‘things to do’ such as board games and musical instruments to play, rather than activations with a commercial purpose. Anyone wanting to participate in the trial must register online first (once only) to receive their Activation Pass.

Paid collection agencies and fundraisers are NOT considered as 'activation' and will be excluded from participating in this trial.

Get involved and have your say - subscribe to receive regular project updates and information. For more information, check out the FAQs, post a question or sign up to follow this project.

WANT TO BOOK CITY SQUARE FOR ACTIVATION? Buskers, artists, performers, schools, community groups, not-for profit organisations and others wanting to use the City Square (under the sails area near Harbour Drive), please click here - you will be redirected to a booking page specifically for this area. For any assistance with your booking please contact Prue on (02) 6648 4839 or prue.leng@chcc.nsw.gov.au.