Promoting a vibrant night-time and week-end economy in Adelaide’s CBD could be essential in driving business recovery and boosting ‘local tourism’, says Australia’s largest parking group Wilson Parking Australia.
Despite the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in South Australia, Adelaide businesses that have relied on CBD workers have been hit hard.
According to the Australian Retailers Association, CBD retailers are the worst affected by the loss of tourism, reduction in number of office workers and other visitors, which will slow the recovery of discretionary spending.
CBD businesses need new ways to drive business, and a thriving night-time and weekend economy could help.
A vibrant night-time economy consists of more than pubs and clubs; it encompasses a diverse range of businesses from 24-hour gyms to late-night retail therapy and art galleries and pop-up gigs.
Employment from Adelaide’s core night-time economy made up 13 per cent of the city’s total economic activity in 2018 according to research from the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors.
To support Adelaide businesses, Wilson Parking Australia is now offering $5 flat rate parking on nights and weekends in Adelaide CBD.
The online offer gives drivers the freedom to access 700 night and 650 weekend car parking bays across 18 Adelaide CBD car park locations.
Wilson Parking CEO Stephan Wuffli said, “The return of some CBD workers has injected life back into the city during work hours, but our local economies need more people to start rediscovering their cities on evening and weekends, too.”
“We are working hard to find solutions that help local businesses, workers, families, and visitors. We believe accessible parking is an important part of helping breathe life back into our cities and our CBD spaces in particular,” said Mr Wuffli.
“We’re trying to make driving into the CBD more affordable, accessible, and less stressful – especially when we expect a lot of Aussies to still prefer to travel in their own vehicles to limit gathering in shared spaces.
“Our new online offer is designed to relieve pressure to rush through errands, so customers have the time to enjoy the city, its restaurants, culture, and art,” Mr Wuffli said.
Current social distancing guidelines still limit capacity for many businesses. To manage such restrictions and assist with tracking customers, many venues like restaurants require bookings in advance.
In a similar manner, Wilson Parking Australia’s ‘contact-free’ service requires customers to book and pay for a parking bay online on via the Wilson Parking App.
The online offer will be valid until 31 August 2020, unless otherwise specified.
“COVID-19 has changed how locals engage with the city and the recovery can shape new opportunities for retailers, whether that’s through the night-time economy or focusing on more domestic tourism,” said Mr Wuffli.
“We see ourselves as a key partner in encouraging Adelaide residents to engage with their local attractions and businesses to rebuild a thriving, lively CBD.”
More info at https://www.wilsonparking.com.au/.
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