Luring customers central to plan for Gilbert Street traders

Gilbert Street traders are set to join forces to give their shopping strip a new lease on life ahead of a retail precinct opening at Torquay.
Sand Bah Café owner David Hosking said the traders would consider regular street festivals and other attractions to draw customers and add to the vibrancy of the street.
Mr Hosking, also a Torquay Commerce and Tourism committee member, called on the street’s traders to “stand up and promote what it has to offer”.
Mr Hosking and Torquay councillor Ron Humphrey met this week to discuss formation of a committee of Gilbert Street traders.
“We’ve just got to get the traders interested in working cooperatively with landlords and the shire to ensure Gilbert Street is a pleasant place,” Mr Hosking said.
“That would be facilitated by undertaking a range of marketing activities and implementing a management plan.”
Cr Humphrey said existing retail strips would face increased pressure when Torquay Central opened on a nearby former primary school site.
“We’ve discussed the possibility of following what traders in other areas have done and holding a street festival with music, buskers and other entertainment to get people to the area,” Cr Humphrey said.