By KATH GANNAWAY
SIGNAGE has been identified as a top priority for Wandin business owners looking to attract more business to the town.
Improving the amenity to attract local shoppers and visitors was also high on the list as around 20 traders attended the new Wandin Traders Association (WTA) breakfast meeting on Wednesday 24 June.
The new executive threw the discussion open on the good, the bad and the ugly of the shopping strip with the aim being to come up with a plan of action.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Economic Development officer Lou Zarro said that as the gateway to the Warburton Highway, Wandin was in an ideal position to build on the passing tourist trade.
WTA president Katherine Newlands and secretary Kim Armour said one of the biggest hurdles was letting people know exactly what was on offer, off the highway.
“A lot of the people who stop and shop or visit the cafes on the highway don’t realise there are twice as many shops and businesses again just around the corner,” Ms Newlands said.
“Even a lot of people who stop regularly don’t see further than the main strip.
“We want to fix that and believe that signage is vital.”
The association is working with the council and VicRoads on the signage, but it’s just one aspect.
Some of the issues Wandin traders face are vandalism, graffiti and tired shop fronts.
The need for another set of pedestrian lights adjacent to the shopping centre to provide a safe crossing for residents, visitors and school children, is another.
Ms Armour said the tone of the meeting was about fixing problems and exploring ideas that would make Wandin into a vibrant shopping hub for the local community and a place visitors wanted to stop and enjoy.
Mr Zarro flagged a huge increase in highway traffic with developments such as the Edgewater Resort in Warburton and nature-based tourism based on cycling and walking currently getting a big push.
“It’s important to have that connectivity to the (Lilydale to Warburton) rail trail,” Mr Zarro said.
He said catering for trail users with things such as bike racks, dog-friendly cafes, even heating on the footpaths in winter, would mark Wandin as a place to stop.
Disability tourism was also a niche they could tap into, he said.
“It’s a segment of the market where small adjustments to your stores could make a big difference to your market,” he said.
He also encouraged the traders to work with the local agriculture and tourism organisations drawing on the interesting agricultural history of the district.
Among several ideas put forward by traders were themed timber sculptures and murals to add character and interest to the centre, additional lighting, footpath trading days and other ‘specials’ promotions and events such as the annual Sunset Festival in November and Christmas in July.
Ms Armour said the first project, the Christmas in July promotion, was launched last week with every trader getting involved.
The next meeting will be in August.
Traders and the public can provide feedback – good and bad – on the WTA’s Facebook page – Wandin North Shopping Center.
