Lismore’s CBD is continuing to recover from last year’s devastating floods, according to the results of a recent street audit.
Mayor Steve Krieg today released the figures showing that the battered businesses district is edging closer to its pre-February occupancy rates.
The audit conducted at the end of June, found an occupancy rate of 70.1 per cent across the inner CBD area, which is a 10.1 per cent increase from the January audit.
Cr Krieg said the result showed business confidence was returning to the CBD following what he described as ‘the worst natural disaster in Australia’s recorded history’.
Council’s Destination and Economy team audited 595 street front and upstairs premises, including businesses, organisations, residencies and pop-ups.
Restoring confidence in Lismore’s future, including business confidence, has been described as one of two key factors in achieving a steady medium-term recovery in the city.
The Council, the Lismore Chamber of Commerce, and a committed group of grass roots community organisations have been working hard to achieve this goal, initiating multiple initiatives to get the town back on its feet.
This includes ArtVenture, a program designed to revitalise Lismore’s business centres by transforming empty shop front windows into vibrant art exhibition spaces, showcasing the local arts sector and supporting local businesses.
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