Canberra's local shops are a fascinating microcosm of the city's character, reflecting both the community's needs and the challenges of maintaining a vibrant local economy. While some shops thrive, others struggle, and this disparity raises important questions about the future of these essential community hubs. In my opinion, the ACT government's recent budget allocation for upgrades at four shopping centres is a step in the right direction, but it's just the beginning of a much-needed conversation about the role and responsibility of local shops in Canberra.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between the Richardson shops and the Chisholm shops. The Richardson shops, located in the Brindabella electorate, have been struggling for years, with the grocery store closing in 2019 and other shops remaining empty. This has led to a decline in community amenity and a rise in antisocial behavior, as noted by ACT Greens MLA Laura Nuttall. In my view, the loss of a 'meeting place' is a significant issue, as local shops benefit from an adjacent 'third place' like a park or playground where people can socialize. Without this anchor, community engagement suffers, and the shops become less vibrant.
On the other hand, the Chisholm shops are thriving, with multiple small businesses operating successfully. This is partly due to the attitude among the businesses, which is to maintain a village-like atmosphere where everyone knows each other. Nicolas Lecointe, who manages L'épi Artisan Bakery, emphasizes the importance of this community connection, stating that the businesses 'add to each other' rather than compete for customers. In my perspective, this is a model worth emulating, as it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages people to spend more time in the area.
However, the Mawson shops present a different challenge. Poor layout and maintenance of the precinct make it harder to attract customers, as noted by Reece Travers, owner of Southlands Quality Meats. The reliance on cars and parking is at the heart of this issue, as the car park fills up fast, and customers who normally come on Saturday don't have anywhere to park. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach to local shop development, one that considers the broader community context and the needs of both businesses and residents.
In my opinion, the ACT government's budget allocation for upgrades is a step in the right direction, but it's not enough on its own. To truly revitalize local shops, we need to address the underlying issues that affect their viability, such as the need for a 'third place' to anchor community engagement and the importance of a well-designed and maintained precinct. Additionally, we need to consider the role of commercial interest in ensuring that shops meet public need, as argued by the ACT Greens.
What this really suggests is that local shops are not just places to buy milk and bread, but rather essential community hubs that contribute to the overall well-being of the city. As such, we need to think more broadly about how we can support and sustain these shops, both in terms of physical infrastructure and community engagement. In my view, this requires a collaborative effort between the government, businesses, and residents, all working together to create a more vibrant and inclusive Canberra for everyone.
