Batemans Bay people are rejoicing a resurgence of their main street seven years after a major retail complex opened in the CBD.
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Residents and business people welcomed an investment by Eurobodalla Shire Council into foreshore infrastructure on Clyde Street earlier this year.
And, coupled with a move by traders to main street frontages, the trend has tongues wagging.
Orient Street trader, Bay Office Supplies’ Darren Knight, believes in cycles.
“You’re never told the real reasons, but I think the main reason retailers are moving out of the Village Centre has to do with high rents,” he said.
“Before the mall opened up, Batemans Bay’s main street was where everyone went to shop. At this time of year it was shoulder to shoulder.”
The move by Bay Bridge Pharmacy - now trading as Bay Central Pharmacy - to the main street has gone a long way to renewing confidence.
“That’s the biggest thing because it will bring a lot of people back,” Mr Knight said.
“We’ve got all the banks, except for Westpac, the newsagent, the Post Office ... people have to visit the main street to do their business.”
Bay Central pharmacist Neil MacKay researched customer-flow past the front door before making the decision to relocate.
“We took the view that it would be beneficial to make a fresh start in a new area that had the potential for customer growth,” he said
“Since we’ve moved three shops have opened up just down from us. It’s been really positive.”
Those approached for comment were unanimous in their view of a bustling main street as integral to the area’s health and vitality.
On Clyde St, Beach and Bush Properties’ Sue Leslight predicts big things for Batemans Bay, and the surrounding area.
“To be honest I think this is going to be better than Berry,” she said.
“It’s closer here to Canberra and we have people coming from Melbourne and Sydney, and west near Dubbo, which I don’t think the other areas have, and we’re seeing steady growth.
“Batemans Bay is going to be the area to come to.”
Francois Habib, pictured with wife Deborah and son Jackson
MELBOURNE
“It’s most appealing for us, so we could drive here and everything we needed was here - the pharmacy and an awesome breakfast.”
