Proposals ‘threaten business in Torquay CBD’: Traders slam retail plans

A CONTROVERSIAL retail strategy is “the last nail in the coffin for Torquay’s CBD”, traders have warned.
Torquay Commerce and Tourism’s submission on Surf Coast Shire’s proposed C66 planning scheme amendment “abjectly failed” to consult traders on the retail strategy for a town “at the crossroads of growth and development”.
The submission said C66 included provisions for “big box retailers”, a lack of parking in Torquay north, “arbitrary height limits” on development, paid-parking schemes, “ring-fencing” industrial zones in the middle of residential areas and introducing a third retail precinct when the “Bell and Gilbert St [precincts] are barely viable”.
The submission strongly opposed a proposed Torquay north retail development, claiming it would put Gilbert and Bell St retailers out of business.
Businesses were “on average between 25 to 40 per cent down on trading revenue compared to 2011 to 2012”, the submission said.
Council was “outright foolish” to invest in more “bricks and mortar” development when existing shops struggled with an increase number of successful online retail sites.
The traders urged the shire to “engage” with local business owners who recognised that “retail and commercial viability cannot be separated from liveability”.
The group said its own three-part “visioning process” for Torquay would restore the struggling local economy.
The first vision principle outlined streetscape improvements, additional boutique shops, allowance of taller buildings with “height limits determined by visual parameters” and “high-level” office space in central Torquay and high-density residential areas near Taylor Park to improve “economic dynamics”.
The second principle suggested redevelopment of Gilbert St, creating underground and long-term parking options and public transport improvements.
The third suggested upgrades to leisure spaces in Taylor Park and Elephant Walk, increasing connections between Torquay’s “history and natural environment” and more pedestrian and bike paths.
Submissions on C66 closed last week.
The proposed amendment also seeks to set Torquay’s western town boundary at Duffields Rd, preventing development in Spring Creek valley. Developers have also criticised the amendment.
A council planning department representative said a “planning report” on C66 would go before councillors at their April meeting.